Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 15, 2016

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL We simply can’t go on like this Whether real or perceived, the government has indicated that there is a national security threat in Guyana, and consequently, it has deployed the army as a precautionary measure, and also to help the police fight crime. While such action seems most appropriate at this time, the administration should provide more information to the public. Suffice it to say that this issue will be addressed in another editorial. In terms of crime, the people are not buying into the supplied data that crime has reduced. And it seems that the government hasn’t either. The seemingly unending cycle of violent crime is weighing down on the citizenry, creating a sense of hopelessness. It is not easy waking up to news of another murder or armed robbery. Most of the targets prove that the criminals have become more emboldened. They have also descended into further savagery. In the past two weeks, there have been four murders and countless armed robberies. With each incident the society reacts with shock, dismay and fury, denouncing the actions of the criminals, especially when the elderly and children are among the victims. We have repeatedly argued that part of the solution to crime is for an improvement in the relationship between the police and citizens that would encourage the passing of information from the latter to the former. The increased use of modern technology, such as forensics and monitoring of CCTV footage, would go a far way to help reduce crime. We hold firmly to the view that rampant crime is one of the consequences of extreme impoverishment of the masses. The huge gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots,’ is certainly not helping. While some are living in unbelievable wealth and comfort, many persons are struggling and others are living in hopeless squalor. The poverty rate is high and the jobless more than likely have been turning to crime to survive. The country simply cannot go on like this. Those in authority should know better, but are doing very little to improve the lives of the poor. More assistance should be given to the struggling communities to help them organize in order to provide social and economic improvement in people’s lives, which will result in their appreciation for law and order. It can be done, but it requires political will, hence the assertion that resolving crime problems will require hard work and a belief in what is good for the country. It took us a while to reach this worrying state of affairs; it will not be easy to put a lid on it. It is not going to be instant either. A multi-faceted approach is needed to resolve crime. Some argue that economic growth will eventually reduce the terrible economic disparities through employment and lower the crime rate. Others believe that reducing unemployment will be a motivating force for education and training and also, the reduction of crime. Sustained economic growth rate of about five percent is required to have a significant societal impact on crime. However, this cannot happen in the absence of transformative leadership. Criminals must be confronted and rooted out from their comfort zones. Adequate resources are urgently needed to, among other things, properly equip the police force, upgrade the justice system and modernize the prisons so that inmates can be rehabilitated and trained for legitimate work rather than becoming more hardened criminals. But as we have said previously, there has to be a collective political will to effectively fight crime on all fronts. The police cannot fight crime alone. Concerted action by the Government, the Opposition, business leaders, church leaders, and the people as a whole, is needed to mobilize communities and society to help the police. If we accept that crime is our biggest problem, it must be treated as such.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Donald Trump has achieved everything he set out to do Dear Editor; The election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States has not only surprised most of the Caribbean/Americans, but has many of them on edge as to what will be their future under his administration but in my humble view, they have nothing to fear because Trump is not a failure. He is a “go getter”. He achieved everything he set out to do. Imagine a non-politician defeated 17 Republicans in the primary and he defeated the powerful Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State, Senator and First Lady, without the backing from top Democrats including two former Presidential Candidates, Mick Romney and John McCain as well as the Bushes, and a large

number of influential Republicans. However, it seems as if some of them will have a change of heart and work with him in the interest of the country. It is not a secret that the President elect is not courteous at times and openly criticizes people who do not share his views and during his campaign made some unfortunate statements about Muslims and Hispanics, but during the last few weeks before the elections he was more Presidential and we hope that this trend will continue. What is important at this juncture is that he has pledged to unite the country and I have no doubt that he will get support and guidance from stalwarts like Rudy Giuliani, Chris Christie, Ben Carson et al.

He is an excellent and successful manager and no doubt will recruit the best advisors in various fields to assist him in his tremendous task. What is also in his favour is that Republicans control both the Senate and the Congress and although a large number of lawmakers might not see eye to eye with him he ought not to have strenuous opposition to push through his Bills. What is important and needs urgent attention is the appointment of Supreme Court Judges. It is crucial that at least one be appointed soon to replace Justice Scalia who died several months ago and stop the 4 - 4 deadlock that now exists. British Prime Minister, Theresa May was invited by the President elect to

visit Washington when the UK Head of Government called Trump to offer her congratulations. This is a good start in his new role. Far too many negative things are being said against the incoming President questions like when he will jail Hillary, when he will deport the undocumented aliens and when he will build the Wall; these questions are asked while groups are carrying out demonstrations in several states protesting the election of the billionaire. There is no justification for protests. The electorates have spoken — rightly or wrongly and we will have to wait and see. He should be given a fair chance to carry out the Herculean task that lies ahead. Oscar Ramjeet

IS THE U.S. ELECTION SYSTEM RIGGED? Dear Editor; In Guyana, the Caribbean, and every country of the world, Hillary Clinton would be elected President having won 60,274,974 votes to Donald Trump’s 59,937,338. Why? What happened? An understanding of the U.S.A. Electoral College system provides the answer to this seeming anomaly. In the Electoral College vote Donald Trump won 290 to Hillary Clinton’s 228. Why such a disparity? The constitutionally guaranteed system of electors has now taken its toll on Hillary Clinton who has joined the ranks of four past national election contests, most recently, Al Gore in 2000 who lost to George W. Bush. This system provides for a second tier of voting to confirm the President and Vice President by electors (apportioned to the parties at the state level based on the population of each state and Washington DC). It takes place on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December. Its origin can be located in the writings of the framers of the Constitution (James Madison, John Adams, et al) who did not trust the “uneducated masses” to have direct political power but were in favor of reserved powers to individual states and the people. The protection of the Presidency, Vice Presidency, and Senate was a primary

obsession of those leaders who were the elite or propertied and privileged class in society. From these origins to contemporary times, voting rights expanded to include every group and provide greater opportunities for their participation in the process through constitutional amendments and the enactment of other laws. In summary, the masses of people who voted on November 8, 2016 did not vote to elect the President directly; they granted their voting rights to states on a party basis to select electors who on December 19th will vote to elect the President. A s D o n a l d Tr u m p i s assigned 290 electors to Hillary’s 228, he is expected to be elected President by the Electoral College and thereafter inaugurated on January 20, 2017. The 2016 United States elections is an irony of fate where the anticipated outcome contrasts with the end results and where the Presidentelect Donald Trump had long been setting the stage to enter politics. He was even preparing to fault the system if he had lost, going far back to President Obama’s second term victory November of 2012. As the 2012 election results were posted, Donald Trump had then tweeted, “We can’t let this happen. We should march on Washington to stop this travesty…our

nation is totally divided…let’s fight like hell to stop this great and disgusting injustice! The world is laughing at us. The election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy!” He continued. “The electoral college is a disaster for a democracy.” In the Elections of 2016, it is i r o n i c t h a t Tr u m p ’s presidency is assured by the very Electoral College system enshrined in Article2 section 2 of the US Constitution and the procedures for the electors to meet and vote for the President in December 2016, is established by Amendment XII of the Constitution and ratified on June 15, 1804. After the third debate, Trump was adamant that he would accept the elections results if he wins. In another irony of Trump’s 2012 call to march on Washington, the protests in major cities are spreading and many argue that he did not win the popular vote and, therefore, does not have the popular mandate of the people to govern. It would seem that the greatest challenge to his Presidency would be uniting so many alienated groups after a heavily divisive campaign. We can be reasonably assured that while the challenges of governance will be hinged on the question of unity and inclusiveness, the old conversation on abolishing

the Electoral College will be revived since the last resolution was killed by the 91st. Congress (1967 – 1971) in the Senate. Candidate Trump had persistently argued that the system of elections is rigged against him when speaking of the Electoral College, media, big corporate sources of campaign financing, and voter fraud. However, on the other side of the Democrats campaign, the impact of the WikiLeaks e-mail dumping and the presumably apolitical Federal Bureau of I n v e s t i g a t i o n ’s ( F B I ) interjection did not go unnoticed. One may question that if the system is indeed rigged whose interest would it serve. As the protests intensify, the national conversation on the Electoral College, its vestiges, and abolition will be forced on the agenda in political and academic circles. People will demand that their votes count directly to elect the President and Vice President as the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution did for the direct election of Senators in 1913. The foundations of American Democracy will be tested and alternatives such as proportional representation and real campaign finance reform proposed, to give people real choices and make a significant difference to them. Max Wallerson

Tuesday November 15, 2016

The action of these four football clubs Forde’s two-year term expertise, marketing and prois justified when of office comes to an end. By motional strategies to faciliDEAR EDITOR; The collective decision taken by reigning champions Slingerz FC, runner-up Alpha United, along with Pele and GFC, not to participate in the 2nd edition of the Stag Elite League is indeed commendable. And should remain so unless the GFF executive goes the route of putting a competent, efficient and professional individual(s) in place, to mediate and resolve the ongoing impasse. When the agreement was finalised last year under the stewardship of Chairman Clinton Urling, FIFA appointed a normalisation committee. Mr Wayne Forde was the President at the time, and Fruta Conquerors was also an Elite League club. As a consequence, the individual should have had first-hand knowledge of the Elite League’s rules, regulations, laws, by-laws and statutes. If for some strange reason the GFF President isn’t aware of the existing conditionality, then he shouldn’t be in the position he now holds. Suffice it to say that it is visionless and unprofessional to expand the participating teams to 10 in the 2nd edition of the competition. Apart from being an automatic promotion, the expansion also gives credence to allegations of politicking, since there will be two additional votes come next year,

the way, why aren’t there two votes for all the Elite clubs, since with relegation, what will be the situation with the relegated clubs? In addition, the expansion is counterproductive to development. The previous agreement described the Elite League as a pilot project in an embryonic stage, with two additional teams being added at the end of two years. Editor, unless the GFF executive is cast in stone, utilising statutes under the guise of being in conformity with CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA is being simply naïve. The relevant stipulation allows countries to be flexible with the rules in some instances to suit its own national club interest. For instance, in some competitions a player should have received 3-5 yellow cards, before he misses the next match. Internationally, the ruling is two yellow cards. The demographic and economic circumstances prevailing in Guyana can’t be overlooked. Which other country within the CFU, has road transport, ground rental and other associated costs in relation to hosting a double header? Which clubs, will be burdened with the responsibility? This is against the backdrop of the GFF incurring significant losses at the culmination of the competition’s first edition. Realistically, most clubs do not have the administrative

tate such an undertaking. At the end of the day, with sport no longer being sport, but rather business, the competition must make dollars – and sense. What would have been beneficial to the Elite League and the sport by extension was if the GFF could have introduced a competition at a tier below involving 14 teams drawn from all the associations, played in a League format over two rounds, with the top two securing automatic promotion to the Elite League. It would be unfair to amend the rules without first and foremost involving the relevant stakeholders (clubs) for their respective input, prior to a draft amendment being circulated for perusal and comments. This should entail a written response within a specific time-frame. What are clubs expected to do after compiling a budget of expenditure for the duration of the competition? Is it prudent to grant automatic promotion to 2 clubs, after the closure of the transfer window, which places them at a significant disadvantage? Both Slingerz FC and Alpha United are the two biggest spenders in terms of securing foreign based players, and they have expended huge sums. What must they do with the two extra players, and who will provide financial compensation? Lester Sealey

Trump was not the choice of expatriate Guyanese for President! DEAR EDITOR; Hillary Clinton was projected by all and sundry to be the overwhelming favorite to win the presidential election. She was the popular choice amongst immigrant communities, not least in West Indians and Guyanese, all across America, especially here in the largest concentration of expatriates “Little Guyana” or Richmond Hill and environs. Clinton’s defeat surely was not due to money, effort and voter outreach, because she outspent Trump and received more votes nationally than him. So how come Donald Trump won, precipitating one

of the most stunning upsets in history and prompting unprecedented widespread protests in a country which touts its democratic processes and readily accepts election results? Clinton said the FBI is to blame for her loss after its embattled Director, Comey sent a letter to Congress based on vagaries and speculation only days before the election, announcing he was reinstating an investigation into whether she mishandled classified information when she used a private email server while being Secretary of State. Although Comey announced a week later that he had reviewed emails and con-

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tinued to believe she should not be prosecuted, the political damage had already been done, and the die was cast for Clinton’s defeat. Like the Titanic, her candidacy was doomed to sink in spectacular fashion. In contrast to her primary rival Bernie Sanders, Trump went for the jugular, and an exemplary trailblazer’s life and legacy has been tarnished and truncated prematurely. Here in “Little Guyana,” thousands came out to vote for Hillary in record numbers. However, our hopes were destroyed-again! We have relived another painful loss, and a reminder that (Continued on page 6)

Religious divisions will work against social cohesion DEAR EDITOR; I refer to an article published in your Nov. 12, 2016 print regarding Social Cohesion. I support Dr. Hinds’ recommendation on a few strategic plans he mentioned in this article. What was not mentioned is the input from religious groups which is why I support him. Besides the barrier and division of ethnicities there is also a huge barrier and division of religious systems. These two major identities will work against social cohesion. We believe religion is about good against evil, but the actual work has always been my belief against yours. This is a major problem. I must mention that Guyana is a secular state and we should never forget that. On many occasions governments took advice from religious groups and even made official recommendation to religious groups. This is against the Constitution of Guyana. A public figure should not interfere with religion or religion should not interfere with government officials when making decisions for the nation. Race and religion should be personal matters and personal issue of identity. The nation is free to practice both, but you should not in any way try to impose on another person by way of your identity. We know your identity by way of culture, appearance and tradition but I want you to give me a chance to see beyond that, I can relate to you not your identity. I want to know you. The Ministry of Social Cohesion may need to think of formulating policies to make race and religion a domesticated system rather than a public one. If television was not so costly people would buy one every day, that doesn’t mean they are not angry of other’s race and religious imposition. A cohesive community or na-

tion must develop a cultural method and ambience of discussing issues concerning education, sports, health, family planning etc. I don’t want to know which god you believe in or where did your ancestors came from, which is your personal matter and should be kept at home. I am sharing this Universe, the trees and the animals with you not your race or religion. Let us make and live in this Universe of ours by way of cohesiveness, end the divide. I have just started a foundation called “ECOLOGICAL WELL-BEING”. My main focus is to END THE DIVIDE by creating an awareness of treating every living organism as one life. The trees, the animals and human beings are just life; we are all made from the same five elements of the Universe. Some of the main foundations of the divide have started through race, politics, history, religion and education. Because of these impositions in our upbringing, we perceive through our five senses everything in comparison. As we compare we divide and this is because of the identity that will follow by these impositions. Dr. Hinds mentioned one of the important channels for assisting in ending the divide is the Ministry of Social Cohesion. Please see before these impositions how a child don’t care whether you are black, Muslim, rich or even the devil, they love to play with the devil. Cohesion ends as soon as you finish high

school because the impositions of identity start taking its form. We must start educating our children about the immensity of understanding what life is as one. I have a structured plan in this aspect compatible with the UN SDG’s on well-being. The Minister is quite correct of the difficulty she is facing; this is because of the identity problems mentioned by Dr. Hinds. The older folks would never attempt to go in this direction but the youths are more than willing to try this way of cohesiveness. If the government is really concerned in making this happen the youths should be the main target group for the implementation stages and five years are too short for this implementation. It should be a fifteen years plan. The educating and implementing aspect should start with the youths and trickle down to the children in schools, the results will be reflected by the new generation. Please note I am concerned for the well-being of all living organism. Gender equality can be a new form of divide if the educational aspect means dominance; end the divide. Vishnu Bhagwandin President of ECOLOGICAL WELLBEING

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The gross and unbecoming conduct of a serving Parliamentarian DEAR EDITOR; A friend of mine felt it warranted to send me a screenshot of a recent Facebook post made by the Honourable PPP Member of Parliament, Mr. Nigel Dharamlall. More than the contents of the post, the authorship concerns me for a number of reasons which I will presently address. Permit me first to share the contents of the post. Mr. Dharamlall wrote: “Dear #DavidGranger Even though I didn’t support your party you have still been LUCKY to be installed as President of Guyana by GECOM. Since then though, your Brainlessness has been in Overdrive..everything that

comes out of your Mouth makes you sound foolish…I’m worried that people are thinking that you are a Dud…And from the look of things you need some proper teeth…and scrub your tongue when you brush the few teeth that you have…ONE LOVE!!!” (unquote) I have hereby preserved Mr. Dharamlall’s post in its exactitude, and I have attached herewith this letter the said screenshot of the post, which was assisted by a photo of H.E., Mr. Granger. I am never hasty in concluding the authenticity of things of this nature as I am mindful that technology is susceptible to infinite manipulation. I con-

templated the likelihood of Mr. Dharamlall’s Facebook account being hacked and was prepared to receive as credible any such intimation. I took the liberty of perusing Mr. Dharamlall’s Facebook profile where I found the said and several other disparaging posts. Mr. Dharamlall later modified his post attempting to temper it with a condescending apology because certain ‘friends’ scolded him on his impropriety. I have come across innumerable distasteful remarks about the government as constituted and several governmental officials. I have come across same for the opposition as constituted, and also in its former incarnation

These two teenage girls have been abandoned by their mother DEAR EDITOR; Two teenage girls aged 13 and 18 years old who reside at Henry Street, Werk-enRust, have been partly abandoned by their ‘Christian’ mother. Editor, what is most ironic, if not pathetic is the sight of both individuals, liming at nights after 21:00 hrs on a bridge of a resident, with the wrong crowd. WE must note that teenage pregnancy is on the rise, resulting in most instances of single parentage. The younger of the two sisters, was recently on the receiving end of a verbal attack from a female school dropout. It was most sickening to hear the child being referred to as a “whore”.

How can a caring and concerned mother allow her daughter to be exposed to such? Ironically, the youngster was nevertheless in the company of the abuser a few nights later. The latter’s mother was the only individual to the best of my knowledge, who had adverse comments to say about the 13-year-old’s father, when an employee of the Ministry of Social Protection visited residents for an opinion of the father. Operating under the guise of a live-in caregiver, for the elderly, the 13-year-old’s mother was embroiled in a legal matter last year with the child’s father, resulting in the

Trump was not the choice... From page 5 we are a nation of double standards. The same FBI Department crushed our efforts to attain recognition and empowerment, just as they did when civil rights leader and community activist attorney Albert Baldeo ran for public office in 2010, when they over-embraced an impossible theory that Baldeo’s use of his own money in a City Council election to repay his loans was a federal crime. Baldeo was acquitted of the underlying charges, but

his non-peer Manhattan jury, after a long deadlock, convicted him of obstructing crimes he did not commit, a legal and illogical conundrum. Similarly, the fallacy that the FBI’s actions are as American as apple pie has perfunctorily gutted a great woman’s efforts, and we will be the losers for their egregious actions for generations. It is time for Congress to rein in such perverse actions of federal law enforcement officials, who are already immune from accountability. Kim Miller

Magistrate’s Court granting a prohibition order against him. This was compounded by the fact that the Child Protection Agency and the Ministry of Social Protection were represented in the matter, with a high level of unprofessionalism in their deliberation. At this juncture, the child’s welfare and upbringing is sadly lacking from the absent mother. What is the role now of the CPA and the Ministry, given the fact that the father, unlike the mother was more efficient with the child’s attendance, punctuality and basic education at school? Can infrequent visits by the mother, who from all indications is not academically inclined, provide the relevant tuition like the father, suffice, or an uncle? It is my sincere desire as a concerned resident that the vibrant Red Thread Organization and Men With Purpose intervene to save the two teenage sisters from the antisocial ills that are prevalent in our society today. The Child Protection Agency and the Ministry of Social Protection should pursue legal action against the mother’s partial neglect, in the best interest of proper parenting. Concerned Resident

as the government. I have on occasions voiced my disquiet with these sentiments, both publicly and privately, and both in favour of the respective political divides. What distinguished the remarks then from the remarks I have invited into scrutiny is the authorship. All of the people I have taken objection to on this issue are ordinary citizens. Mr. Dharamlall does not enjoy the courtesy of this label because of the position he holds in Guyanese public life. And it is precisely for this reason I have gone the further step of engaging this forum to put in rather crude terms the unease Mr. Dharamlall has invoked from within me. I believe that even the most rudimentary democracy demands that there must be a striking positive distinction between the conduct and expressions of political leaders and those of ordinary citizens. Mr. Dharamlall’s sentiments are not only distasteful, they are disrespectful. They are not only disrespectful of President Granger; they are disrespectful of every Guyanese citizen. They are unbecoming of a member of parliament; a young leader; and someone who obviously has aspirations to assume a more pronounced role in Guyanese politics. Let me dispense with any impending suggestion that this was a personal post on Mr. Dharamlall’s personal Facebook page. The representations and sentiments of politicians on matters of public interest irrespective of where expressed are either

theirs politically (once accompanied by the caveat that it is their view), or those of the party or organisation to which they belong. Political leadership is not like a garment we take off at the close of the workday to swap it for another to commence the new day. This duality among politicians is at the heart of politicians acting inconsistent with the collective interests of the citizens. Perhaps there is a fundamental misconception of the role of the opposition and the consequential role of opposition parliamentarians. The opposition to the government is not the guardian only of the folks who do not approve of the government. They are not only representative of their supporters. The key role of the opposition is to ensure that the government does not disregard the collective interests of the citizens; the opposition, likened to a system, is a system of checks and balances. And the opposition should do this for its supporters as well as the supporters of the government. Opposition members are not paid from the tax dollars of their supporters only; the same as the government is not so paid. So even if the citizens fail in the exercise of their democratic right to hold the government to a high level of governance and the opposition to a high standard of protective advocacy, it is incumbent upon leaders across the board to maintain the highest level and standard of political service. I am disappointed that this is the quality of Mr. Dharamlall’s protective advocacy for the collective inter-

ests of Guyanese. This simply cannot be the calibre of leadership we hold out as capable of advancing Guyana, especially when the charge is for a more visible presence of youths in politics/leadership. It is our sustained resignation to such political mediocrity which has ensured that our social, political and distributive economic richness is diametrically opposed to the enormous capacity of our material resources. I have consistently criticised the misdeeds of the government, and those misdeeds are too many even for a young government. And I do encourage our citizens across the divide to voice their disquiet with the governance of our country. I do commend the PPP opposition whenever it brings the government’s missteps to the fore. There are far more potent ways to criticise harshly the actions of the government. Those in leadership roles should set the tone with intelligent, incisive and systematic critiques; and actions. I am optimistic that Mr. Dharamlall is not absent this capacity, and I await the emergence of a real political leader from the rubble of this obvious political immaturity. My brand of politics steers clear of superficial distinctions of race and gender; its core allies are those, of whichever extraction, are truly capable of unifying our citizens and crafting for them all a substantively better life. This is the ability I pray encompasses of young leaders, including Mr. Dharamlall. Ronald J. Daniels Attorney-at-Law

Corruption needs to be exposed at City Hall by a forensic audit DEAR EDITOR; Once again the Georgetown has embarked on an exercise of colossal time wasting and massive public deception. And by this I refer to the preparation of its estimates of revenue and expenditure for 2017. Up until now the 2016 budget has not been presented nor made public. What has been made public is a fancy budget speech but no facts and figures. But this

seems to be in keeping with a trend developing at the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown and that is making all of its documents which should be public record, into highly classified documents. The notorious parking meter contract is still a top secret document and so is the 2016 budget. In fact all of their accounting records are top secret as they have not been audited and qualified for over a decade. But the time wasting and deception have to do with the usual fancy plans and programmes; this time with the Town Clerk talking about a Green Economy, ensuring efficient and effective solid waste management, enhancing the Engineer’s Department to deal with the increasing high-rise buildings, designing cycling lanes etc. All pipe dreams and pop-

pycock! When all is said and done all that will happen is that the Council will continue to be insolvent and penniless in 2017as it usually is. It will continue to farm out all of its services so that the senior administrators could continue to get massive kickbacks, the Engineer’s department will continue to draw plans for citizens and then turn around and pass them themselves turning a blind eye to the massive building code violations in the city. The payroll will continue to bloat with the employment of more friends and family, and corruption and graft will continue to thrive. This is of course if no forensic audit is held an exercise that will allow for the capturing and prosecuting of all the crooks at the top. Debra Gibson

Tuesday November 15, 2016

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City Hall seeks $600M bailout from Govt.

Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan During the Mayor and City Council (M&CC)’s statutory meeting at City Hall yesterday, a motion was passed which will allow the Council to assemble a delegation to approach the Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, with hopes of acquiring a $600M bailout. The motion was put forward by Councillor Junior Garrett; it was seconded and unanimously carried by the Council. The team will seek to engage the Minister by tomorrow. This development comes at a time when media reports have heightened about the Council being cash-strapped. Also, Kaieteur News was reliably informed that two companies a few weeks ago served an ultimatum threaten-

M&CC Councillor, Junior Garrett

Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green.

ing to end their services, after the Council could not satisfy the multimillion-dollar bill that was issued to them for solid waste disposal services. The Council was given up to last week Monday to settle all outstanding debts. Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen was in favour of yesterday’s decision. She stated that the intervention will result in City Hall being able to pay its workers by November 25, thus eliminating protests. The Council’s endeavour will also come at a time when Guyana is preparing to welcome Britain’s Prince Harry in just a few weeks, the Mayor added. Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, during his remarks,

opined that before such an obligation is undertaken, the Council should formulate a plan to prevent City Hall from slipping into debt yet again. This s u g g e s t i o n g o t support from the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Oscar Clarke, who echoed that the plan be well designed to avoid the Council running back to Central Government. Duncan also suggested that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) be required to pay for utilising city reserves. He added that the M&CC is indebted to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and suggested that the option of having the utility company pay to use reserves be fully examined. This, he opined, would alleviate some of the strain the Council is facing. He further suggested that discussions be held with both service providers to find solutions. Duncan also stressed the need for a larger budget for the City.

Tuesday November 15, 2016

Eligible recipients of laptops in OLPT initiative clarified The One Laptop Per Teacher (OLPT) initiative introduced by Government in October has been attracting some debate as it relates to who are the eligible recipients. But the Ministry of Education yesterday sought to set the record straight. In a statement disseminated to the media, the Ministry explained that Government, through the Ministry of Education, in recognizing the vast potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to empower Guyanese to meet developmental challenges and strengthen the economy, decided to embark on a mission to equip teachers with laptops through the eGovernance programme. But the Ministry in its statement observed that “there has been some debate on who is eligible to receive these laptops, thus the Ministry of Education wishes to provide some clarity.” It was made clear that those eligible are: teachers with a minimum of two and a half to three years of service remaining (before retirement); trained teachers (Assistant Master/Mistress); Senior Assistant Master/Mistress; Senior Master/Mistress; Heads of Departments; Deputy Head Masters/Mistresses;

Head Masters/Mistresses; Untrained Graduates; Specialty Teachers; All Teachers in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine; teachers living and working in Karamat, Biaboo, Pomeroon river, and Bara Cara, Orealla, areas considered hinterland e.g. Kwakwani and Demerara River and regional Education Officials and those attached to the National Centre for Educational Resource Development. Thus far 5,367 have been distributed. A total of 150 laptops have been distributed to Santa Rosa in Region One, 650 in Region Two, 1,600 in Georgetown, 147 to the Cyril Potter College of Education, 600 to Region Five, 1,200 to Region Six, 300 to Region Seven, 250 to Region Eight and 470 to Region Nine. “As the distribution continues some 300 laptops will be delivered to teachers in Region One; 1,000 in Region Three; 1,300 in Region Four and 500 in Region 10 in the following weeks,” the Ministry outlined in its statement. It was also noted that the ICT Unit of the Ministry of Education, headed by Dr. Marcia Thomas, has ensured that teachers will utilize the laptops from the inception as each system is preloaded with Circulars, Curriculum Guides, Phonics Packages and the like

Additionally, it was revealed that the Ministry has successfully trained 5,500 teachers in Basic Computer Literacy and 50 schools are running SuccessMaker successfully. SuccessMaker is a personalized Maths and Reading instruction that has been described as a “powerful independent intervention programme for children who are in danger of falling behind.” Even as the statement highlighted that the number of students writing subjects have tripled in two years, it was noted that 180 Secondary School teachers, competent to deliver CSEC syllabuses, and 150 Primary schools, have been trained in the use of low cost technology. Policymakers within the Education sector had recognized that in order for the government to achieve its objectives, emphasis had to be placed on teacher professional development in the areas of ICT in education even as efforts are focused on ways to contextualize and implement the process. Moreover, the distribution of laptops and training is in keeping with Government’s plan to equip educators with the necessary skill-set for education delivery in the 21st Century.

Shot money-changer recovering More than a week after he was shot by a bandit after refusing to hand over a bag with cash, money-changer Vishwahnauth Nouwbat is recovering at home from a wound he sustained to the abdomen. A relative of the injured man confirmed that he was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital on Saturday.

Nouwbat also known as ‘Vishal’, 36, of ‘C’ Field Sophia and his girlfriend were having a meal when a gunman, who reportedly had an accomplice waiting outside, approached him and ordered him to hand over money. When Nouwbat refused to comply, the man shot him to the left side of his abdomen and fled without taking anything. Eyewitnesses alleged that the bandits had to have been watching Nouwbat, who has been plying his trade outside the restaurant for a number of years. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. It was just two months ago that another moneychanger, Mahendra Deonarine, was shot in the abdomen just as he had disembarked from a boat at the Georgetown Ferry

Recovering: Vishwahnauth Nouwbat Stelling. The robber relieved Deonarine of a haversack which contained an undisclosed sum of local and foreign currency, before fleeing on a motorcycle.

Tuesday November 15, 2016

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Teaching is answer to the mathematics problem The government proposes to spend US$245,000 to stem the crisis in mathematics. This is unbelievably true! The government of Guyana, with a Budget in excess of US$1 billion, is spending less than a quarter of a million dollars trying to improve the performance of mathematics within the school system. It is better that the government did not spend any money at all. It makes no sense to be trying to do something when whatever will be done will make no impact. An investment of more than US$5M is needed to address the problem with mathematics in Guyana’s school sys-

tem. How much is the government spending on its media outfits and personnel? What is the cost to taxpayers of GINA, the Department of Public Information, the Press Department of the Ministry of the Presidency, the public relations officers in the various ministries etc.? The cost is sure likely to exceed US$245,000 per annum. It makes a mockery of the amount of money that the government proposes to spend on mathematics to try and improve passes. The government is spending more on its media relations than it is doing to try and increase the passes in a subject which

is considered a core subject. The problem is one of priorities. If mathematics is as important as it is made out to be, then more money has to be put into it. But this is not happening. It will take more than money, of course, to improve the performance of mathematics in Guyana. It will take years for improvement to come by. The previous administration did spend a huge sum of money trying to boost passes in Mathematics and English. The results were modest after the first year and modest after the second year. Money to buy material and teaching aids is not the answer.

Dem boys seh

Don’t believe nutten Rohee seh, he does lie baad Is better you shut yuh mouth and leh people believe you stupid that fuh open it and remove all doubt. Is not dem boys seh suh; is old people. Some people been in Rohee house. Dem walk in like family and come out drunk. And Rohee tell de nation how bandits been in ee house. At first people, including some of ee neighbah did believe was bandits. Is when de police start question de maid then dem realize wasn’t bandits. Was Rohee people. De police ask dem how de gate open, how de backdoor open and how Rohee people rent de car de same time de backdoor, front door, de gate lef open and even de bedroom door.

He tell dem reporter he wasn’t home; he was standing next door to Metropole wid a bicycle. Dem boys don’t believe him. He does lie baad. Dem boys remember he did tell a whole press conference how dem boys did throw grenade pun demself. Is not only Rohee people ain’t believe. De man wha sit in that chair at Freedom House before Rohee, Donald de Dumb is another unbelievable dummy. He and de Rat seh dem spend US$200 million fuh build de Skeldon Plant. Donald was a director on Guysuco board fuh all de years. This plant never kick off—not under de Rat, nor him.

Yet this man want tell this nation that de new govt bruck up de plant in 17 months and want Guyana believe that. And talking bout believe—dem boys observe when Seeall nah deh round de country does run smooth. Nutten don’t happen. As soon as he set he foot back is a spate of robberies and criminal activities. Is like dem criminal challenging him. Dem boys seh he is bad fuh de populace. He is becoming a disease. Dem boys know he gun get upset because ee don’t like people who talk de truth about him. Talk half and wait fuh hear more stupidness coming out from de mouth of dem losers.

Many years ago, Desmond Hoyte faced the same problem. His solution was to bring in teachers from Sri Lanka. The performance of children who were taught by the Sri Lankans improved, but because only a small number of teachers came, the impact of their teaching was not felt throughout the system and the overall performance did not get better. Teaching is clearly the answer to the problem. You cannot take teachers who have a Grade Three in CSEC and put them to teach mathematics in our schools. You do not have, however, enough teachers trained in mathematics at the undergraduate level to swamp the system in Guyana. What the educational system needs to improve the standard of mathematics is for

the schools to be inundated with mathematics teachers. Swamping the system with persons who have done mathematics at least CAPE or ‘A’ levels is one short-term solution to the problem. There are lots of kids who have done well in mathematics at these levels who should be put to work in our weaker schools to try to improve the teaching of mathematics. They could be employed on a part-time basis, since many of them may be pursuing further studies. But they can be put to use until a medium term solution is found. Teachers are not paid according to the subject they teach. They are paid according to their level as a teacher and whether they are untrained or trained, or untrained or untrained graduates. It should be obvious by

now that incentives must be provided to encourage teachers to pursue higher training in mathematics. Perhaps teachers who wish to pursue a degree in mathematics can be given some financial incentive. The same can apply to English. Things can be turned around. But it will take effort and it will take lots of money. The government has the money but it is spending it, unfortunately, in the wrong areas. But that is your typical government. Is it not?

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 15, 2016

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Royston King and APNU+AFC brought Trump and Brexit to Guyana There are little things that go unheeded that tell you about the nature of powerholders. There are little invisible, negative things about Barack Obama that tell you he is not that superbly great liberal idealist that billions think he is. If you look closely, you will see a side to Obama that maybe caused Hillary Clinton to lose the election. Here is a neatly tucked away fact about Obama that few in the world knew or talked about. The Obama Government has prosecuted more government officials for leaks than all presidents combined. That

information sounds unreal. In the age of the Internet, you just Google it and you will see the statistics. There are little things in the APNU+AFC administration that do not augur brightly for the future. And you have to wonder if the persistence of old politics, old temperament, old attitudes after May 2015 will not bring about what we are seeing in the UK and the US. It is referred to as “Trump and Brexit. It means voters will turn away in disgust from the traditional parties and their allies. For this commentator, Trump and Brexit came with

the cruel, almost sadistic mistreatment of over 300 poor working class people who vended at the Stabroek Market Square. Before Brexit and Trump came to Stabroek Market Square, the little things were there but they were too tiny for us to see, thus to put any importance on. The very first sign for me that we were in for arrogant displays of power by all of the leaders in the APNU+AFC Government was the extension of the steel barriers around Parliament building when the House was in session. If ever hypocrisy wore frightening eyes, this was an example. In 2012, the very leadership of APNU and the AFC used their parliamentary majority to pass a motion to remove the barriers. In a scene reminiscent of the witches’ brew in Macbeth, those very steel barriers were extended to more streets in close proximity to Parliament after APNU+AFC came to power. At the first parliamentary session of the new Govern-

ment, I was there in the streets; I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Outside Parliament looked like a war zone. Was this what I had campaigned and voted for? Then the television reporters came up from Capitol News to ask my opinion on some subject or the other and I pointed out the inconsistency of the new administration with their extended cordons. The reporter with a smile as broad as the Great Wall of China, said; “That’s a small matter Freddie.” The nation, with the exception of Leonard Craig and Lincoln Lewis, paid no attention to the hypocrisy of the steel cordons, and then came Stabroek Market Square, and Trump and Brexit had started their journey to Guyana. We all thought the sudden eviction of over 300 folks from the lower income stratum was for reasons of health and orderliness. Just by a mistake, Guyanese found out that the eviction was planned by the leadership of the government

way in advance, because they wanted to use Stabroek Market Square for the starting point of the float parade for the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Bread and circus so characteristic of the use of power in Guyana was on display and the poor who gave their votes so willingly became causalities of elite power. It is the story of history. The vendors currently live a miserable existence at the junction of Hadfield and Lombard Streets. Termites have a daily meal of the palatial wooden structure where the float parade ended— Durban Park on Homestretch Avenue. I pass that infamous site almost every day, but it became more focused in my mind since Donald Trump was elected. The consensus around the world was that Trump triumphed and Brexit occurred in the UK because the poor and powerless got nothing from the elites they voted for decade after decade. They had no choice but to put their fate in the hands

Frederick Kissoon of anyone who promised the Promised Land. If Trump and Brexit had started their journey to this country when the vendors were evicted, they touched down when civil servants were given a tiny salary increase. I am sure my days of campaigning for the APNU+AFC coalition are over. If there is no Bernie Sanders or Jeremy Corbin in Guyana by 2020, I plan to stay home on election night, ignore the election, and watch one of the greatest movies ever made, with one of the greatest actors that ever acted; Peter O’ Toole stars as a sadistic Nazi officer who kills prostitutes in “Night of the Generals.”

Tuesday November 15, 2016

Bartica massacre trial …

More witnesses testify to identifying bodies Four witnesses testified yesterday to identifying the remains of victims killed in the February 2008 Bartica Massacre, before the post mortem examination was conducted by State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh. Dennis Williams, called ‘Anaconda’; Mark Royden Williams, called ‘Durant’; and Roger Anthony Simon, called ‘Goat Man’ are accused of the mass murder. The men are facing a trial before Justice Roxanne George and a mixed twelve-member jury. State Prosecutors, Stacy Goodings and Diana Kaulesar called four witnesses to the stand. The witnesses - Arif Alli Khan, Pancham Singh , Norma Fredericks and Amrita Thomas - testified to identifying the bodies of their relatives Ashram Ali Khan, Baldeo Singh, Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne, to Dr Singh, before the post mortem examination.

Last week state witnesses, Ingrid Ferreira, Zaheer Zakir and Faizul Ally testified to witnessing the post mortem examination. Ferreira told the court that on February 20, 2008, she visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to witness a post mortem examination conducted on the body of her relative, Ignatius Ferreira called ‘Pakoo’, a former security guard. The witness recounted that the autopsy was conducted by State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh in the presence of a police officer. She said a funeral service was conducted at Sandy’s Funeral Home for the victim and he was later laid to rest at Sorrow Hill cemetery in Bartica, on February 23, 2008. Zaheer Zakir also testified to witnessing the autopsy conducted on the body of his son, Zaheer Zakir Jr. The examination was conducted at

GPHC by Dr. Singh in the presence of a Lance Corporal of Police. Similarly, the third witness, Faizul Ally testified to witnessing the post mortem examination conducted on Faizal Ally, his nephew. Earlier in the trial, state witness Jaiwantie Singh gave detailed testimony of how persons stormed her home at First Avenue, Bartica, kicking down doors and firing gunshots during the 2008 assault, in which a dozen persons were killed. According to reports, on the night of February 17, 2008, several gunmen attacked Bartica, slaughtering a dozen people, including three police officers, during an hour-long attack. It was reported that the armed men attacked the community’s police station, killing the officers there, before freeing prisoners. They then left with the vehicle assigned to the police station and went on a rampage, terrorizing the area.

PPP calls for swift appointment... From page 7 Mrs. Yonette CummingsEdwards, thereby leaving the Court of Appeal, a threemember Court, with only two judges. “Every time the Court of Appeal sits, a Judge from the High Court is required to leave all of his/her cases in the High Court to go to the Court of Appeal. The consequences are chaotic in the High Court.” The Party also noted that it was under the Ramotar administration that the complement of the judges of the High Court was increased from twelve to twenty, specifically, to avoid these types of problems. “We also feel compelled to point out that the work of the crucial Constitutional and Administrative Law Court is severely affected by this situation. This is a specialized Court which was established

to exclusively hear and determine, with dispatch, allegations of the citizens’ of constitutional violations and abuse of power by the executive branch and by public officers.” In the circumstances, the Opposition group called on President David Granger to swiftly act upon the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission as he is obliged to do under the Constitution of Guyana. Earlier this year, Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, recently emphasized the need for improving the perception of fairness in the Constitutional Court and for eliminating the backlog of cases in the

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judicial system. Williams had reaffirmed Government‘s position that the Constitutional and Commercial Courts, both manned by one Judge, require additional adjudicators. The AG said, “We believe there should be an additional Judge in the Commercial court and the Constitutional court. We will also make moves to deal with the case of insufficient Judges in the Court of Appeal as well. This is a serious matter for me. “With only one Judge in those important Courts, it would obviously lead to a backlog of more cases in the system and the Judges being overwhelmed. I intend to address that,” he said.

Police Force boasts of solving 17-yr-old cold case Recently, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has been making headlines having solved a number of cold cases, but perhaps the most impacting of them all, was the murder of David Ramcharran, a little over 17 years ago at Seven Miles, Mahdia. Thirty-eight year-old miner, Philbert Edwards confessed to murdering Ramcharran on May 03, 1999 reportedly over cigarettes. During a press conference yesterday, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum said that it was the oldest cold case the Force has ever solved. “We had to do a lot of digging to get the file, post mortem report and so on, and this was the result of citizens’ cooperation with the police,” Blanhum said. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect was arrested for stabbing his brother and it was during interrogation related to that matter, and after receiving intelligence, that the suspect confessed to the murder. At the press conference, the Crime Chief reflected on the Force’s recent successes in this regard. He emphasized that there has been “a 70 percent clear-up at the end of May, last, relating to murder— this is the highest clear up rate

Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum in 10 years”. However, the figure has fallen a bit to 63 percent as of October 31, but the Crime Chief said that they are hoping to take the figure up to 70 percent or even higher before the year comes to an end. Some of the cases Blanhum spoke about were Babita Sarjou, whose body was found buried in her estranged husband’s backyard, six years after she went missing; Remigrant and Professor Pairadeau Mars, who was found murdered in his house; the Black Bush Polder triplemurder and the murder of a visiting British teen. Meanwhile, this newspaper was told that over the last

five years, disorderly and domestic murders have continued to pose a problem. For this year, these two types of murders accounted for half of all the murders in the country. To avoid this, the Force is urging members of the community to be more vigilant and report street and rum shop brawls along with drug yard fights and cases of domestic abuse before they escalate and result in death—instead of videoing and posting it on social media. As it relates to crime in the various divisions, ‘C’ Division took the biggest chunk of the pie—23 percent, according to Blanhum with ‘B’ and ‘A’ following. “In ‘A’ Division, there were six executions, six robberies and six disorderly murders. In ‘C’ there was two executions, two robberies, eight domestic and nine disorderly murders. ‘F’ Division recorded 13 disorderly murders.” The Crime Chief said that the focus of the Force is to disarm the criminal population of illegal firearms; as a result, 83 guns were seized as compared to 98 the previous year. Also, the country has recorded the lowest piracy attacks in this year with one case reported thus far as compared to 22 in 2012.

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

Minister emphasizes importance of inclusive education

The cost of providing quality educational opportunities for children with special needs is very high. Even in a developed country like the United States, the cost is prohibitive, amounting to as much as an estimated US$100,000 per child per year. This disclosure was yesterday made by Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine during his attendance of a special ceremony at the Diamond Special Needs School yesterday in recognition of a grant from ExxonMobil. According to information out of the Education Ministry, the School Improvement Committee after some deliberation had approved the use of the grant for disability friendly physical works (pantry and washrooms), and a training course for teachers. The ceremony yesterday

marked the completion of the physical works and the commencement of the training. The training is being done and certified by the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) of the University of Guyana (UG). It is intended to equip the teachers with improved knowledge and skills for the delivery of special education. At yesterday’s ceremony the Minister underscored that Guyana’s constitution requires that all children should have access to appropriate educational facilities. Moreover, it is the firm view of the Minister that children with special needs should benefit from an inclusive approach, and be placed in mainstream schools. But because of the absence of appropriate physical facilities and teachers trained to handle special needs, and the individual chal-

lenges of special needs children, inclusivity is not always appropriate, he observed. It is for this reason, he asserted, that there is a dire need for special schools like the Diamond Special Needs School. But according to the Minister, “the Ministry of Education has made a good start. It has established schools that seek to address the needs of children with specific disabilities, such as children with hearing, visual and speech impairments, but even within these schools, improvements are badly needed.” As such, the Minister noted that upgrading of the knowledge and skills of special needs teachers is a crucial need. Training, he highlighted, cannot be limited to a few lectures at UG or at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). “A minimum of six months of theoretical

and practical training provided by qualified trainers is essential. Teachers need to learn to use the best methods available; methods that are evidence-based and internationally recognized,” said the Education Minister, as he added “Failing this, we are doing little more than providing a day care facility.” Special needs schools, Minister Roopnaraine said, must be equipped with physical and educational resources, and sufficient human resources to enable small group teaching and individualized programmes. Further, he disclosed that teachers need to be able to benefit from the continuous guidance and oversight provided by specialists. Moreover, collaborating with like-minded Non Governmental Organisations and charities could greatly help the Ministry achieve its goals, said the Minister. With this in mind, “we have begun negotiations with the Step by Step Foundation for children with autism. The Foundation and the School it runs can provide excellent theoretical and practical training opportunities for the Ministry’s teachers”. The Minister asserted that his Ministry needs to provide such training for selected teachers across Guyana, so that children with autism in all regions can benefit from excellent educational opportunities. He added,

Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine “Guyana should be proud that its Step by Step School is unique within the Englishspeaking Caribbean, and leads the way in the region in the field of autism education.” “There are a number of other issues that we need to address. We need to improve public awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the physical, mental and behavioural challenges of our special needs children,” said Minister Roopnaraine. He pointed out too that “parents will tell you of the difficulties they face using public transport, for example, or access-

ing child care. Help is badly needed from the private sector in providing funding and suitable employment opportunities”. The Education Minister is convinced that community support groups could provide invaluable assistance to families of special needs children. But even as the Minister boasted yesterday that “Guyana has made an excellent beginning in meeting the educational and other requirements of children with special needs,” he added that “the road ahead is still long and challenging.”

Alleged serial robber, girlfriend appear in court - Prime suspect accused of targeting East Coast gas stations, supermarkets An alleged serial robber and his girlfriend were yesterday charged in connection with a spate of robberies at gas stations and supermarkets on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) between last month and most recently, last Friday. Uriel Mentore, 26, of 86 Nelson Street, Mocha/ Arcadia, East Bank Demerara, was charged with five counts of robbery under-arms and

one count of attempted robbery. It is alleged that between October 19 and November 11, last, he robbed Shivo’s Supermarket at Non Pareil, ECD; Wisdom Supermarket, Vryheid’s Lust, ECD; R. Prashad’s Service Station, Mon Repos, Railway Embankment, ECD; Shell Gas Station, Ogle, ECD and Viscom Electronics at Mon Repos Public Road, ECD.

It is also alleged that he attempted to rob Daily Supermarket, Enterprise, ECD. Mentore was not required to plead to the indictable charges when he made an appearance before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. He will return to court next month. Police said that the accused was nabbed after robbing the electronic store. He allegedly made off with over $3.3M in cash and other valuables. According to police, the motorcycle and two full-faced protective helmets allegedly used during the commission of the crimes are in police custody. The man’s girlfriend, Fiona Smith, 24, a barrack labourer of 8 Paradise, ECD was indicted for receiving stolen articles, property of Viscom Electronics. She pleaded not guilty and was placed on $35,000 bail. Smith will make her next court appearance on December 7, at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

Tuesday November 15, 2016

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Four Caricom countries record Experts present imaging findings Drop in Citizenship applications to detect Zika abnormalities ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – The government is reporting a decrease in applications for the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP). According to Lennox Weston, the minister of state in the Ministry of Finance, this can be attributed to a decrease in demand for the programme but he remains optimistic that this could change in the future. “Yes, it has slowed down, not only in Antigua but in St Kitts, too, and in other territories. It has not dried up. We may have seen a 10 per cent decline but we still have two more months to go. We project that we may have a 10-15 per cent reduction from last year when we had $100M from it; we may end up with $75M, $80M or $85M,” said Weston who was against on Observer Radio’s Big Issues programme. He noted that the projec-

Minister of State, Lennox Weston tions do not spell disaster for the economy since there are international factors that could result in growth. Marketing of the desirability of the Antiguan and Barbudan passport should be revised given that the world’s CIP market is large enough. “You have to look at areas of instability in the world, in terms of where you get your

business from, if for example the Middle East stabilises to the point where betting becomes possible, then you will see a boom or if Donald Trump implements some of the policies he touted or wealthy persons who may want multiple status.” He admitted that the decline has had an impact on some developments as several projects are heavily dependent on CIP revenue. “Those 10 big hotel projects have not started and so we expect that when they start we will hit out five per cent minimum growth which we have set and we would love to edge up to six and seven per cent. We expect them to start next year…” The CIP has so far been established up in four of the nine member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) – St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, St.Kitts Nevis and Dominica.

Ten babies confirmed with microcephaly linked to Zika virus SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, CMC – Health officials here have confirmed that 10 babies have been born with microcephaly, a neurological condition that is linked to the mosquito borne Zika virus. On Saturday, the Public Health Minister released data which revealed that 18 addi-

tional cases are yet to be confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So far this year the suspected Zika cases in the country total 5,216, of this amount 948 are women in the first six months of pregnancy. The health officials also revealed that 274 cases of

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

were reported in people with a previous history of symptoms compatible with the virus. The data covers the week from October 16 to October 22. To date, 17 countries have reported confirmed cases of congenital syndrome associated with the Zika virus.

Mother and son among four murdered KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – Police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines say they suspect a “modus operandi” after four persons were murdered, some time between Sunday evening and Monday morning. Two of the victims were a mother and son killed in their New Montrose House, a stone’s throw from the official residence of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who is out of state, and the Old Montrose Police Station. Deputy chief detective, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Clauston Francis, told reporters at the scene in Montrose that police have in custody a suspect in relation to at least one of the murders. He said all four victims had “gruesome” injuries to

the head. He said that in Old Montrose, police responded to a call where the body of Ronald Israel, about 40-yearold, was found in the porch of the house where he lives with his mother, with his head smashed in. Ronald’s mother, Avis Israel, who is around 80, was found dead in a bedroom with similar injuries. Francis also confirmed that police were investigating the killing of Pamela Williams, about 50 years old, which occurred at her home in Kingstown Park, a community just outside the capital, late Sunday. Nicolas Layne, about 30 years old, died of head injuries in the Coco area of Campden Park, a community

west of Kingstown. Francis also confirmed that the police had in custody a suspect who was arrested at Williams’s home in Kingstown Park about the time he was killed. “A gentleman was arrested during the time of Ms Williams’s death at Kingstown Park and he is presently in police custody assisting police with their investigation. He is in the mid 30s,” Francis told reporters, adding that the suspect is said to be from Sandy Bay, a community in northeastern St. Vincent. Sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the suspect is being treated in hospital for injuries he sustained when villagers inflicted a serious beating on him.

WASHINGTON, CMC – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says experts from the Americas, including the Caribbean, have been discussing the crucial role of obstetric ultrasound in the screening and monitoring of abnormalities associated in pregnant women who have contracted the mosquito borne Zika virus . According to the experts, obstetric sonography is the primary tool recommended for screening and monitoring fetal/neonatal brain abnormalities associated with the Zika virus. “Although ultrasonography is a safe technology, it is user reliant and requires an extensive knowledge in maternal-fetal anatomy, acquisition and interpretation of images,” PAHO said. Pregnant women can be infected with Zika virus in any trimester, “which has caused increasing concern for maternal-fetal transmission of the virus.” Structural brain anomalies, such as microcephaly, intracranial calcifications, ventriculomegaly, and malformation of cortical development, have been reported in many babies with congenital Zika virus infection.. The discussions included Dr. Andrea Poretti and Dr. Thierry A.G.M. Huisman, experts in congenital brain anomalies from Johns Hopkins University; Dr. Jonel Di Muro from the Hospital Luis Razzetti of Venezuela; Priscilla Butler from the

A Zika abnormality American College of Radiology; and Dr. Adriano Hazin from the Instituto de Medicina Integral; and Professor Fernando Figueira in Recife, Brazil. The panelists focused on the spectrum of neuroimaging findings that may be seen in children with congenital Zika virus infection, the crucial role and use of ultrasonography in the screening and monitoring of abnormalities associated with the Zika virus, and the appropriateness of the use of other neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. In some cases, PAHO said

other technologies, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), have been used in addition to obstetric sonography. PAHO said MRI provides more detailed information about the brain anatomy than ultrasonography, and can clarify unclear ultrasonography findings and when more details about the fetal/neonatal brain anatomy are needed. To date, PAHO said 47 countries and territories in the Americas have confirmed autochthonous, vector-borne transmission of Zika virus disease since 2015. Five countries in the Americas have reported sexually transmitted Zika cases.

UWI Vice Chancellor urges US President to exonerate Marcus Garvey KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, has joined the call for United States President Barack Obama to grant a posthumous pardon to Jamaica’s first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey for his 1923 mail fraud conviction in the US. “Marcus Garvey was the victim of trumped up charges orchestrated by the late J. E d g a r H o o v e r, t h e f a mously anti-black director of the US’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),” said Sir Hilary in a statement on Saturday. “We are today calling on President Obama, himself the victim of racist campaigns, to de-legitimize his presidency, to exonerate Garvey before he leaves office. It is the right and proper thing to do.” Sir Hilary’s call comes as

Marcus Garvey the Caribbean and the world observes the United Nations’ declared “Decade for People of African Descent.” “Garvey’s call for the uplift of all Caribbean citizens through education and political engagement constitutes a critical part of the ideological and philosophical currents that gave birth to the University of the West Indies almost 70 years ago,”

Sir Hilary said. A global petition campaign demanding that Garvey’s federal record be expunged has generated tens of thousands of signatures. The campaign is supported, among others, by the Jamaican Government, the Caribbean Reparations Commission, the New York-based Institute of the Black World 21st Century and by members of the Congressional Black Caucus in the US House of Representatives. The campaign has intensified in the US, with supporters being urged to visit justice4garvey.org to sign the petition. A letter circulated by the Jamaica Embassy in the US in September noted to members of the Caribbean Diaspora that “there have been several efforts over the years” seeking Garvey’s exoneration.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Repairs & spare, fridge, freezer, A/C, washers, stoves – Contact Nick: 6831312, 627-3206 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen & more. Call: 697-2969/6460966 Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595; 220-4073; 220-5785

Property @ East Bank Public Road: Triple lot/storage/ warehouse space, owners migrating. Call: 638-0595 (great deal)

Porter, rip saw, re-saw and moulder operator @ Eccles Industrial Site, EBDCall:609-7675, 674-1705,2332614 Cook/baker for the Interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

Uitvlugt-$2.5M, Zeelugt $1.6M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.2M, all prices negotiable. Call: 642-1252 House lot in Uitvlugt -$3M. Call: 676-4051 Land @ La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1M, $1.6M, Uitvlugt $2, Tuschen School Street $2M (terms available). Call: 604-6724

One salesman to work in parts store contact 2235273/4 One cashier contact 2235273/4 Work in Trinidad, 5yrs experienced welder/mason. E m a i l : clinttrintent@gmail.com (great salary)

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

HEALTH Learn how you can benefit from iridology Mon, Dec 5th - Contact Hazel’s Herbal Store: 226-9136

CXC Classes: day & evening classes, personal tutor, Grade 4 to 6, Form 15 Maths. Call Sir Jarvis: 690-5008/ 693-4588/ 6382359

TO LET

CAR RENTAL

1-2 Bedrooms apartment fully furnished Eccles. Call: 667-2536

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM

2 Bedrooms apartment unfurnished @ Werk-enRust, Georgetown. Call:2315750/ 609-6392

American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

Cashier sales boys/girls to work at a new hardware store, Innovations America. Call: 226-9768

Live in waitress. Call: 6439007 One experienced general domestic to work in G/Town, must know to cook all Indian dishes. Pleasant & trustworthy. Call: 656-6388 Experienced cashier, curry cooks, cleaners. Apply at Hack’s Halaal, 5 Commerce Street.

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

SERVICES Desmond Repair Services Fridge, AC, gas stove, microwave, washer, etc on the spot repairs –Call: (592)6788683; 613-9181

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 RD5 Honda CRV, immaculate condition, TV, reverse camera, CD, mags, alarm, etc, price -$2.850M. Call: 626-2884

Dredge mining operation: excavator, dredge, camp, truck, ATV bike, welding set with gas bottle. Call: 676-7943

Oswin J’s Auto Imports: New Arrivals: Premio, Allion, Fielder, Axio, Rush, X-Trail. Free full coverage insurance. Call: 609-2815

One (1) RZ bus, WTI engine. Call Lawrence : 615-7506

Not working Vehicles: 1 Surf, 2 Pathfinders, 1 Bobcat, 3 Toyota Cars, 1 Canter, 1 Fiber glass boat. Call: 227-4377/ 6246013 White RAV4 PRR 2523 with music set, red Rav4 PMM 1631. Call: 613-2150/ 673-7522 Toyota Vigo pick-up, Nissan Pathfinder, Jeep, excellent condition. Call: 609-7766

Female bartender, live in/out, attractive waitresses, cooks needed at Eden’s Bar (East Bank). Call: 678-3616 Receptionist, apply with application at Millenium Manor Hotel, 43 Hadfield Street, W/Rust.

One (1) Nissan Escudo, good condition, owner leaving the country. Price $1.6M negotiable. Contact: 6683312/ 627-3609

Live in maid wanted between ages 45 and older @ Robb Street home. Call: 226-0450/ 627-3205

Live in/Live out domestic/ babysitter. Call: 223-7500 Mon-Fri 8:15-4:15pm Live in domestic must know to cook & bake, salary $80,000-$90,000 monthly 3050yrs, boarding & lodging free. Call: 222-4890 1 Female shop assistant to work in the interior, salary depends on experienced. Call: 678-0565 TOURS Suriname Tours Return: Shopping, sightseeing, dolphins, casino, clubbing, Nov 24-27. Call: 665-5171/ 639-2663/658-3758/ 223-7589

SALE! SALE!- 2010 NOAH & VOXY $2.6M, 2009 TOYOTA ARIUS $2.6M, 2 TON CANTER $2.4MCALL:642-7295 Timber Jack 450B skidder each excellent condition & never used in Guyana- Call Richard:609-7675, 6741705,233-2614

Mitsubishi Galant 1996 Model. Body in good condition. Sold as parts. Price negotiable. Tel: 216 1079 /616 8027 One 45feet complete, cabin cruiser, trout seines, excellent condition. Call: 657-0044/ 648-6815 Nintendo Wii console with 4 games $17,000. Nintendo DS Lite with 3 games $8,000- Call: 621-9604 Trinidad: Columbia 16 Block plant, fully automated, production 12,000 blocks per day-$600,000USD. Email: clinttrintent@gmail.com 75 Yamaha outboard engine, in good condition. Call: 2590302 1-30 feet aluminum jet boat with spares. Call: 642-7898 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999

Experienced dispatcher to do shift work @ Gem’s Taxi. Call: 225-5075/ 622-6413/667-9013

Interior workers needed, salary $80,000. Call: 674-1767/ 659-2708

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

1 New & unregistered Toyota Allion $2.4M, 1 Allion PVV series $2.150M negotiable, low mileage, TV, camera, etc. Call: 649-0956

Unregistered Axela 2011, fully loaded $2.750M negotiable, Corolla Fielder 2002, dark interior, rims $1.950M. Call: 617-5536

VEHICLE FOR SALE

CAR RENTAL

FOR SALE/RENT

(1) Live in caretaker. Call: 233-2427/233-2923 no private or unknown caller.

Bodywork men. Call: 660-3004

LAND FOR SALE VACANCY For male factory workers between the ages 18 and over. Must have police clearanceCall:223-0090

Experience shop workers, domestic and handyman for the interior tel 231-0363 Experience domestic worker must know to cook and handyman for G/Town Tel 231-0363

EDUCATIONAL

WANTED Salesgirls & porters, apply with written application @ 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellvile (Best Buy Food Supplies)

Live in/ out maid. One trainee person to work in Fiber glass workshop- Call:6035416, 644-9802

Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Tuesday November 15, 2016

Kaieteur News

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 Bedrooms apartment for rent @ Nandy Park -$70,000. Call: 227-5194 Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 2274377/227-0613/624-6013 Business bottom flat for rent in New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 227-4377/ 227-0613/ 6246013 Apartment self contained in Tuschen. Call: 669-1448 Suitable space for Storage Bonds or Office Space in Charlotte Street, Georgetown. Please Call: 638 – 5303

FOR RENT Space for rent at Ashmin’s BuildingIdeal for commercial and office useCall: 683-7954 One (1) Bedroom Residential Apartment at Houston, East Bank Demerara. For more information. Contact: 6031602 2 Bedrooms upper flat (furnished) in Diamond, EBDTel:216-0644, 668-8403 PEN PAL Overseas based male seeks working female 30-33 years. Must be intelligent- call:6643119 (No Texts) TO LET

FOR SALE Fresh peanuts- Tel: 6841880, 265-3120

2 Bedroom furnished Apartment in exclusive residential area, close to Ogle Airport , with modern amenities. Call for appointment 622-5725.

Cargo trawler- call:682-8724, 616-5954

Rooms in Albertown- Call: 698-7807,225-3234

Tuesday November 15, 2016

Fostering a child is not a business – Foster Care Manager Surviving with $18,000 per month might be near impossible for some people. It is, however, all that foster parents are offered by the Ministry of Social Protection to participate in its Foster Care programme. This is according to Manager of the Foster Care Department, Ms. Colleen Khan. The Foster Care Department is part of the Childcare and Protection Agency, located at Broad and Charles Streets, Georgetown,. Khan has managed the programme for the past five years and has found that many of the people who volunteer to foster a child, “they are in it because they want to help.” Nevertheless, Khan revealed during an interview with this publication that all individuals opting to be a part of the programme are required to undergo a thorough mandatory screening process. Part of the requirement for being a foster parent is that an individual must be earning an income. This, of course, is in light of the fact that the sum offered to help foster a child is meagre. As such, Khan noted that if an unemployed individual approaches the Foster Care Department to foster a child “that will immediately be a red flag for us.” “We will definitely want to know what therefore your motivation is. Eighteen thousand dollars is just an assistance... How will you be able to maintain yourself and your household without turning it into a business?” Khan asked. However, she disclosed that an individual’s marital status or gender will not be a deterrent to fostering a child. Nevertheless, the majority of the volunteers over the years have been women. But Khan spoke of a lone male who had opted to be a part of the programme, but did so with

Foster Care Manager, Ms. Colleen Khan immense support from the women in his family. “You don’t have to be a (biological or adoptive) parent to foster a child,” said Khan, as she disclosed that once found suitable an individual is not dissuaded from fostering multiple children. “In some cases some persons would foster two or three children at one time, who are of no relation, or sometimes are siblings.” But the foster care programme does not only focus on potential foster parents, but the ability of children to adapt to these new care-givers is also taken into consideration. According to Khan, while young children housed at residential homes may readily gravitate to a caring person, for some of the older ones it warrants a bonding process. The bonding process is done at the Childcare and Protection Agency under the watchful eyes of designated officers. At the end of a bonding experience, a child has the free will to refuse to enter into

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the care of the foster parent. “Once you are a certain age you do have the liberty to express how you feel, in fact we find it much more useful when a child has a say in what his or her care plan is,” said Khan, of potential foster children. In fact, she disclosed that having the approval of children could help to ensure that the process is successful. For this reason the bonding process could go on for days, or both potential foster parent and child could opt to have a trial run of the foster care experience for a weekend before a final decision is made. “We need to put these systems in place because a failed foster arrangement is much more detrimental to the child than leaving him or her in a home,” Khan asserted. Foster care can commence from early as birth and continue until a child turns 18. However, the Ministry has been known to continue its support in some instances for youths who are pursuing educational programmes while in foster care. “We wouldn’t yank them off because they are 18 (years old) and we will still financially support the foster parent,” related Khan. But the Department does not simply turn its back on children when they are sent to the homes of their foster parents. According to Khan, officers are tasked with monitoring the children in foster care by conducting home and school visits each month to ensure that they remain in a safe and secure environment. Currently there are currently 108 registered foster parents caring for 166 children. But Khan underscored that there is still need for more persons to come on board, since there are still more than 600 children in residential care.

PPP to host 31st Congress…

Party structure and unity to be primary focus

PPP/C Executive Member, Zulfikar Mustapha. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), after a demoralizing loss at the May 2015 General Elections, is now gearing up to host its 31st Congress, and the question being asked is if the party’s supporters will witness any significant changes in the hierarchy. The election was deemed as an “historical” one which saw the Party demitting office after some 23 years of stewardship. Current Leader Bharrat Jagdeo; former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali; the former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Frank Anthony; and the former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General,Anil Nandlall, are all seen as front runners during this important Congress. During a Press Conference hosted at the Party’s Headquarters in Robb Street Georgetown, PPP/C Member of Parliament, Zulfikar Mustapha, said that emphasis will be placed on strengthening the Party’s structure and unity as the party seeks to provide “sound, consistent, steady and reliable leadership and to continue to work towards improving the quality of lives of all Guyanese.” He added that the delegates and observers will examine the

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Former Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

Coalition Government’s stewardship thus far, initiate discussions, and make recommendations to the Party on the way forward. The Congress will be held under the theme: “Strengthen the Party, Defend Democracy, Onward to Victory” and will be hosted at the Cotton Field Secondary School in Essequibo from December 17th to December 19, 2016. Ongoing preparations, the MP said, have intensified as the Party ramps up its activities which will bring together delegates and observers from all ten Administrative Regions. He added that a number of overseas groups are expected to grace the occasion. Mustapha expounded that the Congress will provide for a comprehensive overview of the Party’s performance since the last Congress, and outline a strategic direction in keeping with the Party’s Programme and Guyana’s present social, political and economic situation.

“This body is meeting weekly as the momentum intensifies and reports regularly to the Executive Committee of the Party. At the level of the Party, groups across the country are in the process of preparing motions and resolutions, initiating fundraising activities, and identifying delegates, observers and nominees to contest the elections to the Central Committee of the Party. All logistical arrangements are well on stream.” Mustapha said. The MP stated that at the local level, the party’s members are well advanced in their preparation and the mood of the people in Essequibo is very high as they prepare to host the event. “The Highlight of our Congress will be the Central Committee’s Report to be presented by the Party’s GeneralSecretary, Comrade Clement Rohee, address by the Opposition Leader and elections to the Central Committee of the PPP.”

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

Trump Considers Not Syrian rebels battle each other north of Aleppo Moving Into White House

Rubble in the heart of Aleppo (CNN) Syrian insurgents clashed in a town near the Turkish border on Monday as inter-rebel tensions spilled over, playing to President Bashar al-Assad’s advantage with the government tightening its grip on rebel-held eastern Aleppo. The confrontation in Azaz pitted a prominent Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel group, the Levant Front, against factions that also fight under the FSA banner and the Islamist Ahrar al-Sham, sources on both sides and a group that reports on the war said. The Syrian Observatory

for Human Rights said headquarters and checkpoints held by the Levant Front had been seized in the fighting, which a Levant Front official said had forced the group to withdraw some fighters from a battle with Islamic State in the nearby city of al-Bab.

The fighting in Azaz, some 60 km (35 miles) north of Aleppo, also prompted Turkey, which backs a number of FSA rebel groups, to close the at border cross ing Oncupinar. Adjacent to Bab al-Salam in Syria, it is a major conduit for traffic between

opposition-held northern Syria and Turkey. Rebel officials described the fighting as a blow to the opposition in the Aleppo region. Many of the insurgent groups operating in the Azaz area also have a presence in eastern Aleppo, where rebel groups had also clashed on Nov 2. The Syrian army backed by Russian air strikes and Shi’ite militias including Lebanon’s Hezbollah have been waging a fierce campaign against the insurgents in the city, before the war the country’s most populous.

President-elect Donald Trump is considering spending as much time as possible at his $100-million penthouse in New York rather than move into the White House full-time when he takes office, The Daily Telegraph reports. This was the pattern he developed on the campaign trial, when he would often fly back late at night to New York in order to sleep at Trump Tower, where he has lived for some 30 years. The Secret Service has reportedly said that protecting him in New York would be a security nightmare and have strongly suggested that he take up residence full-time at the White House. Security at Trump Tower was increased after he won the Republican nomination, with everyone entering the building having to show identification.

President-elect Donald Trump The New York Times reports that Trump’s advisers say the president-elect is still trying to get used to the idea that his life is about to radically change and is trying to

hold onto the familiar, but suggest that as he becomes more comfortable in his position he will increasingly spend more time in the White House. (Yahoo)

Stop harassing minoritiesTrump tells supporters

Over 412 million adult-website credentials hacked: security firm (Reuters) Login credentials for over 412 million users of adult websites run by California-based FriendFinder Networks Inc. were compromised last month in the largest hack of 2016, according to breach notification website LeakedSource.com. Compromised data includes nearly 340 million credentials for Adultfriendfinder.com, which bills itself as “the world’s larg-

est sex and swinger community,” some 63 million records from video sex-chat site cams.com and about 7 million records from adult magazine site Penthouse.com, LeakedSource said in a blog published on Sunday. Asked if the account from LeakedSource was accurate, the company provided Reuters with a statement saying it had brought in outside experts to help review the matter.

“FriendFinder takes the security of its customer information seriously and is in the process of notifying affected users to provide them with information and guidance on how they can protect themselves,” FriendFinder said in the statement. “Our investigation is ongoing but we will continue to ensure all potential and substantiated reports of vulnerabilities are reviewed and if validated, remediated as quickly as possible,” it said. If LeakedSource’s claims are confirmed, the number of email addresses would account for more than 10 times the number exposed in last year’s high-profile hack of infidelity website Ashley Madison. That attack prompted class action lawsuits and an investigation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. LeakedSource said it was able to view passwords for 99 percent of the credentials.

Demonstrators distribute safety pins as a sign of solidarity against intolerance during a rally against US President-elect Donald Trump Washington (CNN) Donald Trump on Sunday told his supporters to stop harassing minorities, in his first televised sit-down interview since becoming President-elect. “I am so saddened to hear that,” Trump told CBS’ Lesley Stahl on “60 Minutes” when she said Latinos and Muslims are facing harassment. “And I say, ‘Stop it.’ If it — if it helps, I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: ‘Stop it.’” Trump directed his comments to his own supporters whom Stahl said have written racist slogans or chanted degrading messages — particularly in schools. It was a powerful appeal to a nation ripped

apart by the divisive 2016 campaign. Trump’s election has left Democrats angry and many minorities fearful about the future. Yet Trump also criticized the protests that have broken out in cities across the United States since his defeat of Hillary Clinton on Tuesday. Trump said he’s seen “a very small amount” — including “one or two instances” — of racial slurs being directed at minorities, particularly in largely white schools, since his election. “I would say don’t do it, that’s terrible, because I’m going to bring this country together,” Trump said.

Richard Cohen, President of the Southern Poverty Law Canter told CNN’s “New Day” on Monday that there have been more that 300 incidents that their organization has recorded. “He needs to take a little bit more responsibility for what’s happening,” Cohen said. As for anti-Trump protests, Trump said, “I think it’s horrible if that’s happening. I think it’s built up by the press because, frankly, they’ll take every single little incident that they can find in this country, which could’ve been there before. If I weren’t even around doing this, and they’ll make into an event because that’s the way the press is.”

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

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Report clears GNBA Directors of corruption By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The Board of Inquiry set up to look into the affairs of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority has cleared Directors Anthony Vieira and Vic Insanally on all corruption allegations made against them by Broadcaster, Kenwin Charles. The Inquiry was conducted by Major General Joe Singh who worked along closely with the Legal Advisor from the Ministry of the Presidency, Geeta ChandanEdmond. The report seen by Kaieteur News has not yet been released to the public. The Board examined five allegations made by Charles and his lawyer, Nigel Hughes. The Broadcaster said that Vieira and Insanally demanded that he relocate from Essequibo. He also said that Vieira was verbally abusive to

him and wanted to take away his service. The broadcaster also said that Insanally encouraged him to sell his operation to businessman, Alfro Alphonso. Charles’ Attorney said that Vieira exceeded the remit authorized by the Board and his conduct was unlawful and improper. However, Major General Singh, in his report, stated that the allegations made by Charles against the directors are “unfounded and without merit.” He said that there was an absence of direct evidence from Charles intending to prove improper or unlawful conduct by Directors of GNBA. Singh also said that Charles’s testimony was “riddled with several inconsistencies. Singh found it apt to note that Charles made a deliberate decision to invest in

GNBA Director, Anthony Vieira

GNBA Director, Vic Insanally

broadcasting equipment. He said too that Charles misled the current GNBA Board as well as former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on the location

of his operations on the Essequibo Coast and secretly recorded a meeting with himself and Director Insanally. “The question then became how much credibility is to be accorded to such evidence?” However, Singh said that in analyzing the evidence he was able to form a comprehensive picture which allowed him to arrive at his findings “with certitude.” In his submissions to the Board of Inquiry, Nigel Hughes said that it would appear, from the minutes of the Board meeting, that there was no empowering of the sub-committee which Vieira headed, to make any offers to Charles or to suggest to him that he should cease operating or that he should move his operations or constrain them, reduce them or modify them in any way. Hughes said that despite that fact, Vieira went ahead and did those very things. Hughes said that Vieira went

GECOM in limbo…

Chairman about to resign after leave, vital matters still unresolved – PPP/C The Main Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) – yesterday confirmed that the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr. Steve Surujbally, will demit office with effect from November, 30th, 2016. General Secretary of the Party, Clement Rohee, told media operatives at the PPP/ C’s Headquarters in Robb Street, Georgetown, that Dr. Surujbally conveyed his intention to the Commission at a recent statutory meeting. Rohee said also that the party understands that the Chairman has informed the Head of State, President David Granger, and the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo about his decision. However, the PPP/C is concerned. According to Rohee, the Party was “reliably” informed that the Chairman of the Commission has proceeded on ninety days Annual Vacation Leave (AVL) due to him with effect from September 1, 2016, at the end of which he will vacate office. “The PPP is concerned that since proceeding on

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee.

GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally

leave, meetings of GECOM have not been held to deal with substantive issues save for one meeting to address administrative matters relating to the currently ongoing continuous registration.” Rohee said. The General Secretary continued that letters have been written by Members of GECOM to Dr. Surujbally requesting the convening of GECOM meetings to discuss

matters of strategic importance to the work of the Commission. “Approaches will be made at the appropriate Constitutional level to discuss the terms of engagement which will have to be embarked upon in order to appoint a new Chairman of GECOM in accordance with the letter and spirit of Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana.” Rohee concluded.

as far as to indicate that he could assist with the transition by identifying a person who could provide Charles with a plot of land to operate. Hughes said that it was Charles’ refusal of this proposal that invited the “wrath of Mr. Vieira.” In written statements both Insanally and Vieira denied “demanding” that Charles must move his operations. They said that they were just “offering options” to Charles to make his operations legal. Violet Boyal, Company Secretary, who was present at the meeting, also provided a written statement. Boyal said that Vieira informed Charles that an offer had already been made to a person on the Essequibo Coast and it would not be profitable for both of them to exist. However, “for compensation he can relocate to Mahaica Mahaicony Abary where his subscriber base will increase.” Boyal said that Vieira indeed offered to introduce Charles to a man by the name of Jeffrey Fraser who owns land in Region 5 and can make it available to him. Nevertheless, she said that Charles was assured that the Board was not trying to close persons down, but was trying to regulate them. Orally, Boyal told the Board of Inquiry that Vieira became “emphatic” when Charles insisted that he wanted to stay in the Essequibo. She said at that stage Vieira began “banging his hands on the desk.” Despite such submissions, Singh wrote, “Based on the facts presented there is no veracity in the allegation that Vieira was demanding that Charles must relocate

from the Essequibo Coast.” ABUSIVE AND UNLAWFUL CONDUCT On the count of abuse, Boyal bore witness that Vieira raised his voice at Charles and slapped his hands on the table. However, according to the report, Boyal said that she did not consider Vieira’s behaviour abusive, but reflective of his frustration of the stance Charles was taking. Rebecca Connelly, another GNBA worker was present during a short period of the meeting. She told the Board of Inquiry that “the thought never crossed my mind that there was something untoward or improper about his (Vieira) approach…it was more in keeping with his personality, forceful.” Based on these submissions Singh found that Vieira’s conduct was “not abusive within the legal definition of abusive. On behalf of his client, Hughes told the Board of Inquiry that Vieira exceeded the remit offered by the Board of GNBA and his conduct was improper. However, Singh found that Vieira acted in “good faith” and in the best interests of the GNBA and Charles. He did this, according to the report, by pointing out to Charles that the Board was likely to take steps under new regulations drafted to redefine broadcasting and that channels used by Charles’ operations at Essequibo were UHF frequencies and that he should either offer services in Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) or consider the market opportunity to relate to Region 5 .

PPP calls for swift appointment of aware, that the Judicial quirement.” The Party went on to note Service Commission has more judges also made recommendations to the that the retirement of Chief The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has expressed concern about recent developments in the judiciary. The Party in a statement yesterday outlined concerns over the shortage of judges which it says “has been affecting the Administration of Justice to the detriment of our citizens”. “We are aware that there are dire shortages of judges in the judicial system. We are

President for the appointment of several judges to the High Court and the Court of Appeal several months ago. “But to date no such appointment has been made. A reasonable inference that one can draw is that the nominees of the JSC do not meet the approval of the Executive. This is quite unfortunate because the approval of the Executive of the nominees of the JSC is not a Constitutional re-

Justice Ian Chang (SC) has created quite a void in the judicial system. The PPP stressed that the Chief Justice was replaced by the Justice of Appeal, (Continued on page 11)

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

Obama assures US allies that Trump will maintain relationships (R e u t e r s ) P r e s i d e n t Barack Obama said on Monday he would reassure U.S. allies during his trip overseas this week that Republican President-elect Donald Trump p l a n s t o m a i n t a i n c o r e U . S . strategic relationships around the world, including with NATO. Obama, speaking ahead of a trip to Europe and Latin America, said one of the most important things he could do during his visit was to reassure U.S. allies who may be concerned following Trump’s victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton last week. Trump slammed NATO allies during the campaign for not paying enough for their own defense and suggested the United States was paying a disproportionate amount that was too much given the changes in the world. He also told the Washington Post the United States could not fund NATO at

current levels. Tr u m p ’s c o m m e n t s echoed longstanding U.S. complaints that too many NATO allies do not live up to their pledge to spend 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense. Only the United States and four other NATO allies - Greece, Britain, Estonia and Poland - met the goal last year. France and Turkey have been close. Despite Trump’s criticism of NATO spending during the campaign, Obama said the presidentelect, who takes office Jan. 20, had indicated he was committed to maintaining ties with U.S. allies. “In my conversation with the president-elect, he expressed a great interest in maintaining our core strategic relationships,” Obama told a news conference before his departure. “So one of the messages I will be able to deliver is his commitment to NATO and the trans-Atlantic alli-

ance.” “One of the most important functions that I can serve at this stage ... is to let them know that there is no weakening of resolve when it comes to America’s commitment to maintaining a strong and robust NATO relationship and a recognition that those alliances aren’t just good for Europe, they’re good for the United States and they’re vital for the world,” he said. Obama is visiting Greece, Germany and Peru on his last trip abroad as president. He is expected to meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders in Germany and Greece. In Peru he will see Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Pacific leaders at an economic summit. Obama said U.S. foreign policy remained quite stable despite changes in administration, in part because of the breadth of U.S. government interactions with other nations

Tuesday November 15, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Nishikori thrashes wayward Wawrinka at Tour Finals LONDON (Reuters) Japan’s Kei Nishikori dispatched error-strewn Swiss Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 in a disappointingly one-sided clash at the ATP World Tour Finals yesterday. What had promised to be a standout tussle between the world’s third and fifthranked players fa i l e d t o deliver as Nishikori won the group opener in little more than an hour in front of a subdued O2 Arena crowd. From the opening game when Wawrinka had to save two break points the 31-year-old struggled and

Nishikori duly got the first break in the fifth game with a punishing forehand. Nishikori was ruthlessly efficient and quickly polished off the first set aided by a second break when U.S. Open champion Wawrinka double-faulted to end a woeful service game. Wawrinka tried to pump himself up at the start of the second set, delivering a couple of signature backhands, but he was still struggling to locate his Agame. The crowd, far from a sell-out, wanted more for their money but a miscued

Wawrinka forehand into the net gave Nishikori a break point in the fifth game which he converted when Wawrinka elected to leave a return that floated in. Nishikori, who could still finish the year at a careerh i g h t h i r d i n t h e AT P rankings, claimed some revenge for this year’s U.S. Open semi-final loss when he broke again to end the c o n t e s t a f t e r Wa w r i n k a wafted a lazy backhand over the baseline. Home favorite and new world number one Andy Murray takes on Marin Cilic later yesterday in the same John McEnroe group.

Tuesday Novembet 15, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Opportunities for romance will flourish through travel. Read some books on self awareness. You may find yourself in a heated dispute with a friend if you try to change your mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You will have the ability to capture the interest of others. Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. Keep on your toes when dealing with others.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You need to concentrate on your business ventures more than on your relationship today. Insincere gestures of friendliness are likely to occur.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't let children or elders put demands on your time. You can make life easier for an older member of your family. You are best to move quickly and to get in good with the boss.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Use your creative flair. You can write beautiful love letters today. You can spend a passionate evening with someone you cherish if you make your plans early.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't get into heated discussions. Changes in your residence may be financ i a l l y f a v o r a b l e . Yo u r communication skills are at an all-time high.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Minor health problems will flare up if you don't take care of yourself. Take time to do something nice for yourself. You may find that your generosity has been taken for granted.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Confusion could result when communicating with others. You can make money if you work on personal investments. Someone you care about may let you down or criticize your methods.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't promise to deliver the goods if you aren't positive that you can meet the deadline. Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups. You will have problems with coworkers if you are too extreme about doing things perfectly. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't hesitate to take short trips. Uncertainties regarding your home and family are evident. You can make reasonable bids on real estate or large items for your home.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You have so much to offer; open up and let your thoughts be known. Don't let any small misunderstandings get in the way. You'll stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will benefit the whole family. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Be honest in your communication and don't lose your cool if someone backs you into a corner. You can count on getting a pat on the back for your efforts. Children may be on your mind.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori in action during his round robin match against Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka. (Reuters / Stefan Wermuth)

NSC donates sports gear to UG’s Tain campus GINA, GUYANA, - The National Sports Commission (NSC), donated sports equipment to the University of Guyana’s, Tain Campus’ Sports Department. A basketball backboard, a table tennis board, table tennis racquets and balls, a volleyball net and volleyballs were some of the gear presented to the Region Six department of the university. Director of Sports, Christopher Jones told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the initiative is in keeping with the Government’s mandate to spread sports among schools. The request for these sport gear emanated from the Tain Campus. Ryan Sukhu, the Sport Coordinator expressed his gratitude to the NSC for the donation. “Students were unable to

participate in sport activity due to lack of equipment and training material,” Sukhu noted. He said he is over-

joyed that both Tain and John’s campuses can benefit from the use of the donation.

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

Cowboys top Steelers after back-and-forth thriller

Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (L) and free safety Mike Mitchell (23) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Jaguars extend unbeaten streak to 18 matches Permaul claims 8-Wkt haul as stingless Scorpions lose in fading light Since the Guyana Jaguars shock defeat to Barbados in 2014, falling three runs short of a meager 69 to win at Providence, they have played unbeaten since then in the Digicel WICB PCL Four-Day First- Class cricket. Yesterday at Providence, the hosts crushed a stingless Jamaica Scorpions on a truncated day in which torrential rain, which stopped play for over three hours from 10:55hrs. Chasing a daunting 339 for an unlikely win, Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood fashioned almost match saving 203ball innings decorated with 15 fours and two sixes which carried him to 96 in fading light with 2.4 overs left in the drama-filled contest. Blackwood remained to the end before a wicked bouncer from Pacer Keon Joseph induced him to edge to the Keeper with last pair at the wicket as the Scorpions were dismantled for 147 as the Jaguars extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches. Johnson’s brave gamble paid off with the Umpires having one eye on the light after Marquino Mindley (4) and Blackwood, eying his fifth century, were battling for survival taking their team from 133-9 in a frustrating last wicket stand. Although Blackwood’s knock almost saw his team home nobody else reached 15 for the Scorpions as

Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l followed up his first innings 5-60 with 3-63. Fellow West Indies ‘A’ spinner Gudakesh Motie (4-55) and Joseph (3-

18) bowled their team to a compressive win to join Red Force at the top of the table with 17 points. (Sean Devers)

(The Sports Xchange) Ezekiel Elliott ran 32 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with nine seconds remaining — his second score in a frantic final two minutes — and the Dallas Cowboys rallied for a 35-30 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a dramatic renewal of their decades-long rivalry on Sunday. In a remarkable game in which the lead changed hands three times in the final two minutes and four times in the fourth quarter, Elliott ran for two touchdowns and also scored on an 83-yard screen pass as the Cowboys (8-1) won their eighth in a row. The Steelers (4-5) dropped their fourth in a row d e s p i t e B e n Roethlisberger’s 408 yards passing and three touchdowns. Just 34 seconds before Elliott ran through the middle of the Steelers defense, Roethlisberger hit Antonio Brown (14 catches, 254 yards) for a 15-yard touchdown pass against an unprepared Dallas defense

to seemingly give the Steelers a 30-29 win. But a few seconds remained, and a few seconds were all that were needed multiple times in a backand-forth game in which the Steelers could not hold leads of 12-3, 15-13, 24-23 and 30-29. Dallas gave up leads of 13-12, 23-18 and 29-24. E l l i o t t ’s s e c o n d touchdown of the game, a 14-yard run in which he was untouched, put Dallas up 2923 with 1:55 remaining, but Roethlisberger picked on a decimated Dallas secondary to find tight end Jesse James for 24 yards and Le’Veon Bell for 23 immediately ahead of the Brown score. Roethlisberger went up to the line of scrimmage quickly and appeared to be faking a spike attempt, only to rise up and hit Brown open in the end zone. But Dak Prescott, in his first 300-yard passing game — he was 22 of 32 for 319 yards and two touchdowns — needed only five plays to come back win it in one of the NFL’s classic games of the season.

The Cowboys have won eight in a row only one other time, in 1977. Bell also caught a 2-yard scoring pass and ran 1 yard for yet another go-ahead score midway through the fourth quarter. In a back-and-forth, physical game seemingly better suited for January than November, an emotional Dez Bryant, playing hours after his father died, caught a 50-yard touchdown pass from Prescott that put the Cowboys (7-2) ahead 23-18 late in the third quarter, but Brown’s 22-yard punt return and 20-yard catch set up Bell’s TD run with 7:56 remaining. That was only the beginning of one of the NFL’s most dramatic fourth quarters in seasons. In a game that renewed a sporadic but real rivalry between two longsuccessful franchises that have met in three Super Bowls, the Steelers had four missed 2-point conversions that ended up proving costly.

De Silva leads Sri Lanka to quickfire win over Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s top-order collapse began when Brian Chari nicked Suranga Lakmal to second slip © Associated Press (Reuters) Opener Dhananjaya de Silva struck an unbeaten 78 to help Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by eight wickets on Monday in the opening match of the triangular one-day tournament that also features West Indies. De Silva made his highest ODI score off 75 balls as his side reached their target in less than half the allocated time after

Zimbabwe were bowled out for 154 in 41.3 overs. Niroshan Dickwella made 41 in the other significant contribution as Sri Lanka compiled 155 for two in 24.3 overs. Earlier, the visiting seamers scythed through the top order to leave Zimbabwe 50 for six before Peter Moor (47) and captain Graeme Cremer (31 not out) fought

back. Sri Lanka meet West Indies at the same Harare Sports Club venue tomorrow while Zimbabwe’s next game is against West Indies in Bulawayo on Saturday. Scores: Sri Lanka 155 for 2 (De Silva 78*, Dickwella 41) beat Zimbabwe 154 (Moor 47, Cremer 31*, Gunaratne 321) by eight wickets.

Tuesday November 15, 2016

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Brazil win leaves Hamilton in ‘awkward’ position SAO PAULO (Reuters) Winning is not enough now for Lewis Hamilton who would welcome a helping hand from rivals Red Bull in his Formula One title showdown with Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg next week. Rosberg will be crowned world champion for the first time if the German finishes on the podium at the Abu Dhabi finale, even if Hamilton takes his fourth race victory in a row and 10th for the season. With Mercedes dominant, and Yas Marina not the easiest track to overtake on, the Briton has to hope others can get between him and his team mate. It almost happened in Brazil on Sunday with Max Verstappen overtaking Rosberg for second place behind Hamilton only for

Red Bull to then make the wrong tyre choice and put the Dutch teenager on intermediates that needed changing again for wets. Verstappen drove a sensational race from 16th to third in the last 17 laps but Rosberg was too far ahead. “Unbelievable, when will it end?’, said Hamilton of his bad luck. “Red Bull made such a big mistake with that call. “Verstappen still had a great race and got back up to third but it would be good if they made some good calls at the next race. “I am in an awkward position going into the last race,” said Hamilton. “It doesn’t really make a big difference if I go and drive like I do right now because I have already lost so much through the year. “I can’t give up because you never know what can

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton of Britain competes during a period of heavy rainfall at the race. (REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker)

happen. It’s unlikely but you never know.” No driver has failed to be champion with eight or more wins in a season but Hamilton has nine after Interlagos, a triumph that

North Georgetown threatens Linden’s historical bid at Nationals North Georgetown will make an attempt to prevent Linden from becoming the most successful team at the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships, which is set to begin next Monday at two venues. The Swimming and Cycling competitions of the 2 0 1 6 S c h o o l s ’ Championships will be hosted on Monday simultaneously at the National Aquatics Centre and National Park respectively while the Track and Field contest begins on Tuesday at the National Stadium, Providence. Following the completion of two of the three competitions on Monday, there is no doubt that the usual battle for supremacy will be reduced to North Georgetown, District 11 against defending overall champions, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani, District 10, or Linden. Both teams are eying a chance at becoming the most dominant team in the 56year history of the nationwide Championships. The two dynasties are tied on 14 overall titles apiece with a win this year for either team scripting it in the annals of

history. Whether North Georgetown or Linden win the overall Championship Trophy this year, the team will have the bragging rights after being labelled the team with the most titles at the longest running schools’ sport event in Guyana’s history. There are a few other Districts that often pose a threat because they manage to pick up wins in the cycling a n d s w i m m i n g competitions, but the overall title is usually decided on the athletics track. Those teams include Corentyne, West Demerara and South Georgetown. But when the dust settles, all are usually on the two powerhouse squads who have continuously over the years battled for supremacy. In 2008, North Georgetown threatened to bury Linden with an interesting ‘Rest in Peace’ designed coffin as a prop during the march past. Former national sprinter and journalist, Treiston Joseph has asserted that the purple and white wearing North Georgetown is almost guaranteed the swimming championships, which will give them some momentum and an edge going into the

track and field championships. Joseph, who is a former North Georgetown champion athlete, added that with the races for the cycling championship switching from grass to strictly road cycling, North Georgetown might just have the advantage over Linden in a familiar territory. However, he said that the top junior cyclists in the country from both Districts are familiar with the National Park because there is where they often compete. “ W i t h N o r t h Georgetown boasting sprint ace Kenisha Phillips along with the likes of Claudrice McKoy and Samuel Lynch in the varying categories, it almost guarantees that championship will come down to the teacher ’s championship,” he added. Joseph believes that North Georgetown is looking strong in every aspect of the competition and is the one team likely to threaten the title defence of Linden. Whichever way it goes, Joseph said the battle in the Schools’ Championships this year among the two most successful teams will be a humdinger next week.

also put him second on the all-time list. The 31-year-old, who also has 11 pole positions from 20 races, will have to beat the odds to become Britain’s first four-times champion given Rosberg’s 12-point lead.

“I am happy that I beat everyone today...Nico is driving at his best right now and today he had nothing on me,” said Hamilton after yet another Mercedes one-two at the end of a wet and chaotic race. “I am happy that we as a

team are continuing to make history...but Nico is doing all he has to do.” Rosberg, who also has nine wins, has finished second in the last three races and been off the podium only five times this year.

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

Broncos stun Saints with blocked PAT return for wild win

Denver Broncos inside linebacker Corey Nelson (52) and defensive end Jared Crick (93) force a fumble by New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports) (The Sports Xchange) Denver safety Justin Simmons leaped over the center to block a potential game-winning extra point attempt and safety Will Parks returned it 84 yards for a two-point defensive conversion to lift the Broncos to a wild 25-23 victory over the New

Orleans Saints on Sunday. The Saints appeared poised to win after Drew Brees threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks with 1:22 left at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, tying the score at 23, pending the extra point try. But on the PAT attempt by Wil Lutz, Simmons

hurdled the center and easily blocked Lutz’s kick. The ball bounced into Parks’ hands at the Denver 16, and he ran down the left sideline for the two-point defensive score, putting Denver up 25-23. Lutz came close to stepping out of bounds on the play, but after a replay r e v i e w, t h e o f f i c i a l

determined that he did not, resulting in an 84-yard twopoint return. The Broncos took advantage of two fourthquarter fumbles by rookie wide receiver Michael Thomas, converting them into a tying touchdown and go-ahead field goals of 38 and 37 yards to go up 23-17 with 2:50 left. But that gave Brees time to get the apparent winning touchdown, moving 75 yards in six plays, including the 32-yard pass to Cooks. That made the score 23-23, setting up the decisive special teams play. Brees continued the momentum from the last drive of the first half on his

first possession of the third quarter, marching the Saints 90 yards in seven plays for the tying touchdown, a 3yard flip to Willie Snead, who was wide open in the left corner of the end zone as a result of a blown coverage. Brees completed all five passes for 75 yards on the drive, and the Saints picked up first downs on five consecutive plays. New Orleans safety Kenny Vaccaro picked off Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian on the next series, setting up the Saints at the Denver 38. Brees gave New Orleans a 17-10 lead with a 5-yard pass to Snead. The Saints appeared headed for a clinching score

when Thomas caught a pass over the middle and ran into Broncos territory, but cornerback Bradley Roby punched the ball from Thomas’ grasp and safety Darian Stewart picked it up and returned the fumble 28 yards to the New Orleans 27. Siemian tied the score at 17 with a 2-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas, who outleaped cornerback Delvin Breaux. After a three-and-out, Siemian led the Broncos 43 yards in 10 plays to set up McManus’ 28-yard field goal, putting Denver on top 20-17 with 3:23 left. A key play was a personal foul against Vaccaro for hitting Siemian out of bounds.

Ulric Harris dethrones Ruby Cummings to reclaim goodwill trophy

Guyana Men’s qualify for 2017 Hong Kong Sevens -lose to Canada in RAN Sevens final (TT Express)- GUYANA and Jamaica saved the Caribbean’s blushes at the conclusion of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens championships yesterday, taking the men’s and women’s silver medals even as Canada confirmed their class in both divisions. H o s t s Tr i n i d a d a n d Tobago finished fourth in both categories on the second and final day at St Mary’s College Ground in St Clair. The T&T men started the day with a 17-7 quarter-final victory over Bermuda; but in the semi-finals, they could not make any headway against a strong-running Guyana outfit, losing 0-5. However, inspired by outstanding play by teenager Leon Pantor, T&T fought tooth-and-nail in the bronze medal playoff before going under to Jamaica, who had suffered a 40-0 defeat by Canada in the semis. It was Pantor who broke away early in the contest and

handed off to James Phillip for the opening try. But Josh Christie responded in kind for Jamaica, and they were 5-5 at the half. In the second period, Pantor twice broke clear, only to have to kick the ball away when surrounded by defenders near the Jamaica try line without any support. Jamaica eventually went ahead 12-5 when Christie scored his second try and it was converted, only for Pantor to score T&T’s second try and convert it himself, for 12-each. But the men in green and black struck twice again, with the excellent Christie handing off their final try to Marcus Webber. Somehow, Pantor found the reserves to produce one final run, going half the length of the field for his second try and completing the conversion. But that was all; T&T had nothing left and Jamaica took the men’s bronze medals with an

enthralling 24-19 victory. In the final, Guyana were no match for the marauding Canadians, who ran up a 33-0 lead at the half and went on to win, 52-5. Guyana, at least, had the honour of scoring the only points against the North Americans’ defence, when Avery Corbin broke free on the left flank and touched down late in the contest. Earlier, the T&T women’s unbeaten run ended in the semi-finals; Latifa Calliste’s try was their lone strike as Jamaica defeated them 10-5. In the final, Olympic bronze medallists Canada, having overrun Mexico 43-0 in the semis, were equally dismissive of the Jamaicans, crushing them 41-0 as they claimed the women’s title without conceding a single point in the tournament. As RAN champions, the Canada men and women qualify automatically for the 2017 Hong Hong Sevens along with men’s runners up Guyana.

Though amassing similar points it was Harris (L) who reclaimed the Goodwill trophy from Murray. The competitive nature of the tournament was once again apparent when several scrabble affiliates convened at the Murray’s residence, Nandy Park ECD, for another gripping session last Sunday evening. After five rounds of keen duels, veteran player, Ulric Harris proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with when he defied an early loss to Carlton Murray to chalk up 4 crucial points and a positive spread of 78 to relieve defending champion, Ruby Cummings, of the Goodwill

Trophy when that tournament was contested. Harris also defeated Michael Benjamin (84), Maurice Munru (9), Yvonne Murray (11) and Cummings (39). Carlton Murray was also in ripping form but he suffered a massive first round loss to Cummings (250) that proved to be damaging and decisive in the end. He repaired that damage with wins against Yvonne Murray (48), Munru (68), Benjamin (77) and Harris (69). While he caught up with Harris on points, the first

round loss had damaged his chances of procuring a decent spread and he finished with a meager spread of 12. The players are contemplating one other tournament before the year is through but are still to decide on a date; this will be revealed soon. Meanwhile, the executives of the Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) will convene for their usual practice sessions at the Herdsmanston Lodge this and every Thursday evening from 17:00hrs.

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Chess Players go after Meusa’s crown following successful qualifying round After seven rounds of competitive action, seven players have qualified to compete for the National Senior Chess Championship when the qualifying rounds concluded at the National Resource Center, Woolford Av e n u e o n S u n d a y afternoon. Those players making the cut are former National Senior Champion, Taffin Khan, who finished the tournament on 7 points, Anthony Drayton (5 ½), Davion Mars (5 ½), Roberto Neto (5), David Khan (4 ½), Joshua Ferdinand (4 ½ ) and 11 year old Akili Theophil (4). Defending champion, Wendell Meusa, was at the venue when the final game was played and while oozing confidence of retaining the title, is not oblivious of the stiff challenge ahead. Former senior champion, Taffin Khan should be M u e s a ’s m o s t p o t e n t challenger after he topped the points table with 7

Wendel Meusa points. He will be keen to retain his form for the actual tournament scheduled to get underway within the next two weeks. When the tournament continued last Saturday morning Drayton defeated Calvin Giddings before losing to Taffin Khan. The latter player had earlier benefitted from a bye after Maria Varona Thomas had opted out of the tournament

Regal notched consecutive victories

Eon Abel Regal Masters recorded consecutive victories when the Regal Sports T20 Softball tournament continued on Sunday at Gandhi Youth Organisation ground. Regal Masters defeated Ariel by nine wickets. Ariel were bowled out for 143 in 17.3 overs, batting first. Mohamed Rafeek struck 47, while Peter Persaud made 27 and R. Jaikarran 27; Eon Abel snared 4-33 and Tony Singh 2-22. Abel then blasted 10 fours and three sixes in scoring an unbeaten 78 as Regal responded with 144-1 in 14.5 overs. Fazleem Mohamed got 30 and Mahendra Arjune 25. Regal overcame Savage by five wickets. Savage managed 170-3 taking first strike. Seeraj Bheemsain struck 59 while Patrick Khan contributed 48 and Randolph Pereira 42. Abel had 2-42. Regal replied with 177-5 in 19.3 overs. Mohamed stroked 53 while Abel slammed 46, Afzal Haniff 23 not out and Mahendra Arjune 21. Pereira and Bheemsain picked up two wickets each.

Akili Theophil after feeling unwell. Mars then won from Chino Chung before he returned to take care of Calvin Giddings. Other winners on Saturday included David Khan over Rashad Hussein; the former player also got a bye from Chung. Joshua Ferdinand won his games over Nellisha Johnson and Neto, respectively. In the final game on Saturday, Taffin Khan

defeated Theophil, while Drayton and Mars’ game finished in a draw. The game between David Khan and Joshua Ferdinand also ended in a draw while Neto outplayed Joshua Gopaul. Rashad Hussain scored a win over Calvin Giddings while Frankie Farley defeated Shazeeda Rahim. Andre J a g n a n d a n defeated Jaden Taylor,

Taffin Khan while Ghansham Allijohn won from Jessica Callender. The players will return to practice sessions in preparation for the senior championships within the next two weeks. While the competitors have already been established, President of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), Irshad Mohamed, said that he has been

inundated with requests to include an additional 4 players in the mix. He said that he will examine the constitution and rules of the sport before arriving at such a decision. The tournament was played on a Round Robin format and Meusa, who recently secured his transfer from Barbados Chess Federation to the local entity, will now have to compete against those qualifying players if he is to retain the crown for the third time. He has chalked up a FIDE rating of 1967 and is the highest local FIDE rated player. Meanwhile, even as he prepares to defend his crown, Wendell Muesa will leave these shores for Suriname where he will compete in the South American Chess Championship scheduled for the Princess Ramada Hotel, Paramaribo from November 20-28.

Boyz clip Suriname 1-0, progress to CFU semis Jamaica Observer Jamaica booked their ticket to next year’s Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup semi-finals and a place in next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup after registering a 1-0 win over Suriname in front of a few spectators inside the National Stadium Sunday evening. Cory Burke, who opened his goal-scoring account against Guyana in Jamaica’s 4-2 extra-time victory in Guyana last month, was the man on target yet again after quarter of an hour. But what appeared to be a fairly simple task for the Reggae Boyz inside the first half-hour was made a lot harder when secondgeneration player, defender Damion Lowe, son of former Reggae Boy Onandi Lowe, trampled on a grounded player and was sent for an early shower by Bahamian referee Wilson DaCosta in the 33rd minute. The hosts naturally lost their momentum and head coach Theodore Whitmore was forced to reshuffle his 44-2 formation by pulling

Rosario Harriott from right wing back to centre half, while pulling Owayne Gordon from right midfield to right back. Eventually, just before the half-time interval, Whitmore lost his patience with Dino Williams, who was left as the point man after the ejection of Lowe. But the striker failed to spark and appeared more of a hindrance than an asset. He was replaced by right back Oneil Fisher and Burke was asked to retake his place as the point man in he attack. Jamaica threatened seriously for the first time when Dino Williams was sent through behind the defence, but the Montego Bay United striker could only drag his right-footed grounder wide of the near post. The opener came shortly afterwards when a wellweighted diagonal pass from deep in midfield to the left flank was expertly taken in his stride by Gordon, and after racing into the penalty area, he intelligently pulled the ball back for Burke to

steer home from eight yards. Immediately after, he raced into the area and appeared certain to double Jamaica’s lead, but after going wide of goalkeeper Claidel Kohimor, he overhit his intended cross to Dino Williams with the goal gaping. Jamaica suffered somewhat in the second half, but still managed to hold their opponents at bay with some degree of comfort as Suriname appeared short of potency in attack. In fact, Michael Binns went closest to doubling the advantage when he crashed a left-footer against the base of the upright from a deflected corner. And Romario Williams, who entered the field with 20 m i n u t e s l e f t t o p l a y, entertained the sparse

gathering with his technical ability and composure. With his first touch from a corner, he side volleyed just over the horizontal, and shortly after he weaved between a few defenders on the left flank before crossing into the danger area. With 10 minutes left, Andre Blake, captain of Jamaica’s senior team for the first time, kept the Boyz in front with a spectacular reflex save from a melee inside the penalty area. At the end it was just reward for defending champions Jamaica, who have now punched their ticket to next July’s CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States, as well as the semifinals of the Caribbean Cup, which is slated for a month earlier.

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Tuesday November 15, 2016

Mohamed guides Everest to huge victory, MYO beat GNIC SC

Saheed Mohamed A fine all-round performance by Saheed Mohamed guided Everest Cricket Club to a 151-run victory over Sophia, while Mulsim Youth Organisation defeated GNIC SC by 45 runs when the Georgetown Cricket Association New Building Society second division 40-over tournament continued on Sunday. Mohamed struck a fluent

Irfan Ali (left) and Kishan Persaud 131 as host Everest rattled up 282-8 after they decided to bat. Khe m r a j R a m d e e n got 47 and Randy D h a n r a j 2 1 ; T. Liverpool bagged 4-61

from seven overs. Mohamed then returned to grab 5-22 from eight overs as Sophia were sent packing for 131 in reply. Left arm spinner Javed Rasheed had 3-12 and Bhaskar Yadram 2-

Dwayne Dick (left) and Ryan Shun 30; G. Thompson made 44. At MYO, the home team defeated GNIC SC by 45 runs. MYO batted first and posted 197 all out in 28.3 overs. Irfan Ali struck 67; Kishan Persaud made 45 and

D. Thomas 15. Spinner Ryan Shun grabbed 5-37 while Dwayne Dick took 4-25. GNIC SC were bowled out for 149 in 23.3 overs in reply. R. Murriel scored 30, Mark Nicholson 25, Shun

and Dick 19 each. Shafeek Ishmeal bagged 4-20 and Thomas 4-30. At GDF, the host gained a walk over form Third Class. (Zaheer Mohamed)

NPG PACKAGING & PLASTIC INC/UCCA 20/20

No. 70 A whip No. 48 Challengers in final to claim title No 70 A whipped No 48 Challengers’ by 90 runs to become champion of the NPG Packaging and Plastic Incorporated /UCCA 20/20 cricket competition which was played for teams in the Upper Corentyne/Black Bush area on Sunday last at the No70 Ground. No 48 won the toss and put No 70 A into bat. The host made full use of the opportunity and rattled up 201 for 5 in the allotment of 20 overs. They were led by a fine opening stand of 122 by the Yacoob brothers, Ryan and Naeem Yacoob who scored 55 each. Ryan for his part stroked 3x6, 4x4, while Naeem hammered 8x4. Chris Bowlers contributed 32(3x4, 1x6) and Thameshwar Ramoutar 31(2x6, 3x4). Bowling for the Challengers Tameshwar Persaud and Balram

Samaroo took 2 wickets each, while Munesh Lalu picked up one. No 48 Challengers in reply to the big score made by the host, fell for 111 in 14.2 overs with Laloo returning to strike 56( 4x6, 3x4), Persaud made 21(2x4) and R. Ameer 12(2x6). Bowling for No 70 A, there were three wickets each for Ramoutar and N a e e m Ya c o o b , C h r i s Bowlers supported with 2, while there was one for O. Khemraj. In the third place playoff, No 69 Vikings walloped Yakusari Caribs by eight wickets in a high scoring game. The Caribs won the toss and elected to bat and made a decent 184-4 of their allotment of overs. Naipaul Ayana led the way with a cameo 106(8x6, 7x4) with Ramesh Ayana making19.

- No 69 Vikings finish third

The winning No70 team pose for a photo. Bowling for No 69 Vikings, there was one wicket each for Steve R a m b a r r a t , Vi e n d r a Gooniah, Krisna Narindatt and Sachin Ramrattan. In reply, No 69 galloped to 185-2 in just 14.3 overs. They were led by a magnificent opening partnership of 134 between the hard hitting Steve E m b r a c k a n d Vi e n d r a Gooniah. Embrack led the way with a swashbuckling 94 which included 11x6 and 4x4. Gooniah made 35(3x4),

Krishna Narindatt (3x4, 2x6), while Krisna Narindat was 27 not out. Bowling for Yakusari Caribs, Ayana and R. Budnauth took one wicket each. At the presentation ceremony which followed immediately after, Naeem Yacoob of No 70 A was named the man of the match in the finals. Steve Embrack was the man of the match in the third place play off. No70 A for their win collected $100,000 and the

NPG Packaging and Plastic Incorporated Trophy. The second, third and fourth place teams collected $30,000, $20,000 and $10,000 and trophies respectively. The UCCA expressed thanks to Surendra Ganesh, Proprietor of NPG Packaging & Plastic Inc of Wellington Park, Corentyne, Berbice and a part of the Nanad Persaud Group Of Companies for sponsoring the competition. Apart from Ganesh,

CEO of the Nanad Persaud Group of Companies Mr Mohendra Persaud and Secretary of The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Angela Haniff were in attendance. The competition, which featured 21 teams, was played in four zones with the teams playing each other on a home and away basis with the top two teams from each zone advancing to the knock out stage. A total of 98 matches were played. (Samuel Whyte)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday November 15, 2016

PAGE 35

Dey shines in Flying Ace Cycle Leitch hits half century as GPF overcome NYPD Club 2016 track attack event

Curtis Dey winning the Unknown Distance race.

The up and coming Curtis Dey of the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) was in top form as he rode unbeaten for the day to be crowned the top cyclist on show when the FACC successfully held its fourth annual track attack cycle race meet on Sunday at the Rose hall Community Center Ground. Dey was in ripping form as he rode away with the

Devil Take the Hindmost, the Unknown distance and the 20 lap’s events. The day’s activity was intense and very competitive with a number of cyclists putting in outstanding performance. Zaman Khan of the FACC had things his way in the juvenile category with Rokel Gordon the runner up.

On the distaff side up and coming Shenica Teixeira of the FACC was the top female on show. There were also BMX, athletics, football, softball cricket and volleyball during the day. A number of the participants who are presently preparing for the national school athletics, championship in

G e o rg e t o w n u s e d t h e opportunity to warm up by putting in some good performances during the day. The top performers received cash and trophies. The coordinator was cycle coach Randolph Roberts. Roberts stated that he was pleased that he was able to give the athletes an opportunity to compete a few days before the National Schools Athletic Championships. Among the sponsors were Furniture World of New Amsterdam, First Impression Hotel of Hampshire Corentyne, Berbice, Ming’s Optical, Hand in Hand, Fix It Electronics Establishment, A. Ally and Sons, Mara And S o n s B u s i n e s s establishment, Payless Variety Store, Lewis and Sons and Water Chris Hotel. The event was well coordinated by coach Randolph Roberts with assistance from club member Eli Hazel. (Samuel Whyte)

Kevin Leitch A fine half century by Kevin Leitch led the Guyana Police Force to a 61-run victory over the New York Police Department when the teams collided in a T20 fixture on Sunday at Eve Leary. Leitch struck a polished 51 and got support from Kenton Grumble who made 39, Nigel Reddy 33, Gribon Grant 31 and Trevor Benn 27 as GPF

posted 212-9, ba t t i n g first. S. Manoj had 3-51. NYPD managed 151-7 in reply. M. Riam scored 34 not out, M. Conner 32 and D. Tazz 25; Grumble snared 48. The game was the last of two played in memory of the late Randolph Holder a former member of the NYPD who was killed in October 2015.

Team Jaipaul Suknanan & Joaan Deo win GYCANAM 2nd annual Golf Tourney The golfers were keen for this second successive GYCANAM tournament, so named because of the Guyanese sponsors from three countries involved, Canada and the United States of America, with compatriots from Guyana, as they teed off at 10:00 a.m. Sunday last. The tournament was a partners’ tournament, played over 12 holes. The handicap used for each group was 1/2 of the combined handicap of the two players that formed the group. There were 12 groups or teams of two at teeoff time. Jaipaul Suknanan (36/3) & Joaan Deo (31/11) giving a combined (67/14) were the best. In 2nd place was team father and son – Fazil Haniff (35/7) & Richard Haniff (33/5) – a team score of (68/12), while 3rd place had 3 teams contesting with a combined net of 70! Since prizes were awarded only up to 4th place, the third net-70 team received an un-prized 5th position. 3rd place

Winners pose with sponsors after the presentation: (From left) Mike Mangal, Roger Rajkumar, Richard Haniff, Mike Gayadin, Fazil Haniff, Joaan Deo, Jaipaul Suknanan, Ray Ramroop, Hilbert Shields, Mohanlall Dinanauth and Oncar Ramroop. winners were team Mike Gayadin (35/6) & Hilbert Shields (35/8) who combined (70/14), while 4th place winners were team Mike Mangal (36/5) & Brian Hackett (34/10). In 5th place

was team Mohanlall Dinanauth (33/4) & Deanand Bissessar (37/14). Nearest to The Pin was won by Joaan Deo, while Richard Haniff won the Longest Drive.

Patrick Prashad, Hilbert Shields, Jaipaul Suknanan, R o g e r R a j k u m a r, R a y Ramroop, all part of this year’s sponsorship, spoke well about the tournament and hoped that the tournament will continue

definitely to be an annual one. Mr Shields added comments for improvement of the performance and relationship of caddies with golfers, including caddies being more responsible in

observing golfers play and scores. President Oncar Ramroop endorsed the comments of Mr Shields and looked forward to the annual continuation of the tournament.

t r o Sp

Jaguars extend unbeaten streak to 18 matches Permaul claims 8-Wkt haul as stingless Scorpions lose in fading light

Veerasammy Permaul followed up his 5-60 with 3-63 yesterday as Jaguars beat Scorpions at Providence. Pounding rain fell at Providence for over three hours yesterday.

North Georgetown threatens Linden’s historical bid at Nationals

Fourteen-time National Schools’ Champs, North Georgetown gracefully accepts their runner-up status last year at the National Stadium. The Georgetown team will enter a colossal battle against Linden again next week in the 2016 Championships. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210